Portable data acquisition and management system and associated device and method

ABSTRACT

A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial Nos. 60/314,806, entitled “A System, Method andApparatus for Collecting and Transmitting Package Data”, filed Aug. 24,2001; 60/347,086, entitled “Handheld Device for Data Collection andTransmission”, filed Jan. 8, 2002; 60/347,756, entitled “ProtectedMemory, Ergonomic Design, And Secure Latching System For A PortableElectronic Data Management Device”, filed Jan. 11, 2002; 60/349,319,entitled “Electronic Data Management Device and Methods of Use”, filedJan. 15, 2002; and 60/360,135, entitled “Portable Data Collection andManagement System and Methods of Use, filed Feb. 25, 2002, each of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to real-time package tracking systems,devices, and methods and, more particularly, to portable handhelddevices configured to acquire information through multiple inputinterfaces and to provide acquired information to a central computerfrom remote locations. The device and its method of use are particularlyuseful in the field of parcel delivery and tracking. In one embodiment,the device of the present invention incorporates improvements in theDelivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) presently utilized byUnited Parcel Service (UPS).

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] In routine package delivery services, UPS delivery drivers obtaindata using a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD). The DIAD isan electronic clipboard that replaces the driver's written documents andtransmits shipment information directly into the UPS tracking system.Because the DIAD electronically records delivery information, iteliminates millions of sheets of paper per year and allows UPS tocapture data and electronic signatures at a major point of contact,namely upon delivery to the recipient. Currently, more than sixtythousand delivery personnel utilize such DIADs.

[0006] To capture digital recipient signatures, the DIAD contains an LCDdisplay having an integral (or separate) signature capture window thataccepts input from a stylus. When the customer signs in the capturewindow using the stylus, the signature also appears on the LCD display.The DIAD's capture of digitized signatures enables these signatures tobe available electronically for delivery verification. Signatures areuploaded onto a mainframe computer that is accessible by customerservice representatives and by customers. Therefore, business customerswho are connected electronically to UPS through secure connections(e.g., via the Internet) have access to the digitized signatures so theycan pass them on to customers in response to customer inquiries.Similarly, when a customer asserts that a package was not delivered, thecustomer (or a customer service representative) can determine its exactstatus; specifically, whether the package was delivered and, if so, whosigned for it.

[0007] For a typical delivery, the driver identifies a package to bedelivered using a laser-scanner, built into or attached to the DIAD, toscan a bar code on the package. Additional data collected by the DIADupon delivery is also captured using key entry, bar code scanning,electronic signature capture, and electronic data transfer. When adriver collects a package from a customer, shipping information may becaptured using the DIAD by scanning a bar code on the package shippinglabel or by keypad entry. As with deliveries, electronic signaturecapture and data transfers to the DIAD can occur during a packagepickup.

[0008] Although DIAD systems known in the art are effective, they havecertain characteristics that limit their effectiveness in trackingpackage information in real time. For example, many portable electronicdevices include two kinds of memory, namely a Random Access Memory (RAM)and programmable permanent memory. Generally, software applications areloaded, executed, and run in RAM. RAM is also used to receive data inputby the user, as well as to display the application output or results tothe user. The tasks of receiving data and displaying results aregenerally performed quickly in the RAM, allowing the user to input datafreely, without the delay of storing the data in a more permanentmemory. The amount of RAM available generally contributes to theperceived speed of the device. The speed of most RAM configurations,however, must be balanced with the risk of losing data or results. Thatis, RAM is sometimes called volatile memory because it requires aconstant supply of electrical energy to maintain its data. As such, ifthe supply of electrical power is lost, the data in the RAM will also belost.

[0009] Most types of permanent memory are non-volatile; that is, thepermanent memory retains the data even if electrical power is lost. Mostpermanent memory is programmable, and thus suitable for storing softwareapplications, and erasable, so that the memory can be re-programmed.Generally, selected data can be purposely stored in the permanent memoryfor later use. For example, the user might make ten quick data entriesinto the RAM, and then later store the data entries in the permanentmemory.

[0010] In use, many portable electronic devices are subject toenvironmental forces, electronic failure, loss of power, and/or othercatastrophic events that can automatically and abruptly erase thecontents of the RAM. Once the input data stored in the RAM is lost, itcannot be recovered for storage in the permanent memory. Thus, thereexists a need in the field of portable electronic devices for anon-volatile memory to quickly receive and store data, even in the eventof a total failure of the device from a catastrophic event, and toprovide long-term storage of the data. It would also be desirable tohave an application program interface (API) for controlling andmonitoring the status of data with respect to the non-volatile memoryusing the software application within the device.

[0011] Most portable electronic devices rely primarily or, in somecases, solely on a single operating system to store and access data. Anoperating system such as Windows™ CE is sometimes used in portableelectronic devices. Because catastrophic failures and loss of poweroften interfere with the functioning of the operating system used in thedevice, there exists a need for a method of accessing stored dataindependently of the operating system. This task is further complicatedby the variety of types of memory contained within certain portableelectronic devices. The operating system is typically used to address orassign a specific location for storing a particular type of data. Forexample, the data for a particular package delivery might be found at aparticular location or electronic address within the permanent memory ofthe device. Gaining access to the data without using the operatingsystem that assigned the electronic address is very difficult andrepresents a current technical challenge in the field.

[0012] Customers with large numbers of packages to be delivered on aregular basis typically develop a shipping database that containsinformation about each package. Older portable electronic devicessometimes used a cable attachment to obtain data from the customer'sdatabase. This kind of direct link, however, sometimes interferes withand/or unduly invades a customer's private database. Also, many suchcustomers are configuring their existing databases to be accessible overwireless networks.

[0013] Thus, there is a need for a portable electronic device that iscapable of interacting with a customer's databases, with the customer'spermission and while maintaining the security of the databases, withoutusing a cable. There is also a need for an application that can obtaindata from the customer's network without excessive interference orinvasion into a customer's private databases or local networks. There isa further related need to provide an application program interface (API)for this feature and to control and monitor the operation thereof usingthe software application within the device.

[0014] Rechargeable battery packs have evolved, and some now includeinternal devices for governing recharging and testing functions for thebattery pack. For example, a rechargeable battery may have a specificrecharging station, wherein the recharging station may includeindicators for the charge status of the battery, devices for testing thecurrent capacity of the battery, and other functions for indicating theoperational status of the battery pack. The demands on portableelectronic devices currently in use, however, require closer managementand control of the battery recharging and monitoring functions. Thus,there is a need for a system having the capacity to control and directthe recharging and testing of the battery, while the device is in use,without relying on the charging and testing system specificallyassociated with the battery pack and independent of the device. In otherwords, the technical demands placed upon devices in use today requirecloser management of the recharging of the battery pack. There is arelated need to provide an application program interface (API) for thisfeature, as well as to control and monitor the operation thereof usingthe software application within the device.

[0015] The size and weight of the battery is a continuing technicalchallenge for portable electronic devices. The advent of rechargeablebatteries has increased the predictability of battery life under variouspower usage conditions, but size and weight continue to present atechnical challenge for portable device designers. There is a need,therefore, for a battery that is sized to provide sufficient power tothe device during a typical work session while the user is away from therecharging station, without over-sizing the battery and creating anunnecessary size and weight burden upon the user.

[0016] Further, with regard to portable electronic devices, theincreasing volume of data that can be gathered and stored on a portableelectronic device has created a need for more efficient ways of storingand displaying data. Whereas older devices may have been capable ofstoring, for example, only an item number and a date, modem devices arecapable of storing a multitude of text and numerical data about a singleitem or a single delivery. Thus, there exists a need for the capabilityof entering and displaying a multitude of data in a user-friendly andeasily accessible format.

[0017] The need to enter text data into portable electronic devices hasalso driven the development of keypads that include every letter of thealphabet. Some designs mimic the arrangement and shape of the typicalQWERTY typewriter keyboard, while others place the letters inalphabetical or some other order. The arrangement, size, and shape ofthe letter buttons vary depending on the particular device. However, inthe field of portable electronic devices operated with two hands, thereexists a need for a keypad that will accommodate the natural range ofmotion of the human thumbs. Thumb typing, to be efficient, requires notonly a convenient key location but also a design that will account forthe natural movement of the device during thumb typing. Further, becauseof the natural conditions in the operating environment for portableelectronic devices, there also exists a need for a keypad that willaccommodate gloved hands. In cold climates especially, the user may bewearing gloves during operation of the device and, thus, require keysthat will be usable with a gloved hand.

[0018] The increasing use of rotary switches and dials on handheldportable devices has further created a need to develop ways to preventaccidental activation of the roller or dial, while allowing the switchesto be in locations that coincide with the natural position of thefingers or hand. In devices that use a combination of generally-flatbuttons and rotary dials, such components should be positioned in theareas that match the natural location of the hand, such that the buttonsand the dial scan be operated with minimal, if any, repositioning of thehand.

[0019] Many handheld devices in use today provide push buttons, flatscreens, and toggle switches, all of which can be configured tosubstantially prevent moisture intrusion into the device. A device withrotary switches, however, presents a unique challenge when the device isexposed to high levels of humidity in the operating environment. A dialfor volume control, for example, or a rotary switch for scrollingthrough a menu or through text on a display, must be designed to freelyrotate while not creating a vulnerable point for intrusion ofenvironmental humidity and fluids. Thus, there is a need to developwater-resistant rotary switches that substantially prevent the intrusionof water and water vapor while not interfering with operation of theswitch.

[0020] A variety of belt clips and other attachment units are found inthe field of portable electronic devices. Many clips require the user topositively activate a lever or spring to disengage the electronic devicefrom its clip. Providing a positive lock prevents unintentionaldisengagement of the unit without input from the user. This type ofextracting technique, however, requires the use of two hands or at leastthe use of multiple parts of the same hand. For larger electronicdevices and for operating environments where user efficiency would be asacrificed if two hands were required, there is a need for a clip thatis capable of allowing one-handed operation. There is also a need for adevice holder that provides positive feedback to the user about theengagement status of the device to the holder. Such feedback is alsoneeded to inform the user when the device is properly aligned forengagement, when the device has been fully engaged, and when the devicehas been fully disengaged. A further need exists for a device holderwhich allows the user to access and operate the device withoutdisengaging the device from the holder.

[0021] Industry standards developed to test the durability of containersto shock and vibration typically provide for the container to be droppedfrom a measured height such that the container is free of any rotationalor horizontal velocity. This kind of drop test is intended to subjectthe container to the downward force of gravity only. Portable devices,however, are often dropped when the user is in motion horizontally, suchas when a user is walking and stumbles. Also, users sometimes exert arotational force against a portable device while grasping it, especiallyjust as the device is being dropped. Accordingly, there exists a need inthe field of shock testing for developing a dynamic test method and anapparatus such that the falling motion of the device during the testwill more closely resemble the dynamics observed in the actual operatingenvironment.

[0022] An unsatisfied need therefore exists in the industry for areal-time package tracking system that overcomes deficiencies in theprior art, some of which are discussed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Though some embodiments of the present invention are describedherein in terms of collecting and manipulating package tracking data, itwill be clearly understood that such an example in no way limits theapplicability of the present invention. More particularly, embodimentsof the present invention may be applied to any situation wherecollection and manipulation of data at a remote location andtransmission of this data between the remote location and a central hostsystem would be convenient and advantageous. Moreover, in instancesreferring to package tracking data, such terminology will be understoodto include not only data associated with the packages and the trackingthereof, but any other associated information, whether related to thepackages or not, including, for example, payment information, deliverylocation information, customer preference information, and customerstatus information. Thus, the terminology presented herein, in terms ofthe applicability of the present invention, is for example only and thepresent invention will be understood to have many different applicationsas described herein and within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

[0024] Accordingly, the above and other needs are met by the presentinvention which, in one embodiment, provides a system for manipulatingdata. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable dataacquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wirelesswide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network(WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) dataradio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device andconfigured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system,communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memoryoperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storingthe data and comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, andan NVDRAM memory module.

[0025] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises aportable data acquisition device for manipulating data. Such a deviceincludes at least one data input device for receiving data, a WWAN dataradio adapted to transmit the stored data to a discrete, remotelylocated mainframe data repository, and a memory for storing the data andcomprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAMmemory module.

[0026] A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprisesa portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, including atleast one data input device for receiving data, a memory for storing thedata, and a WWAN data radio and a WLAN data radio, wherein each dataradio is adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to aremotely located mainframe data repository and receive data.

[0027] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises portable data acquisition device for manipulating data,including at least one data input device for receiving data, a memoryfor storing the data, and a WWAN data radio and a WPAN data radio,wherein each data radio is adapted to at least one of transmit thestored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository andcommunicate with a peripheral device.

[0028] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a portable data acquisition device for manipulating data,including at least one data input device for receiving data, a memoryfor storing the data, and a WWAN data radio, a WLAN data radio, and aWPAN data radio, wherein each data radio is adapted to at least one oftransmit the stored data directly to a remotely located mainframe datarepository, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data.

[0029] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises adata collection and transmission method. First information is collectedand stored on a portable data acquisition device including a WPAN dataradio. The information is then transmitted from the portable dataacquisition device to an intermediate transmission device via the WPANdata radio, wherein the intermediate transmission device is connected toa wide area network. Thereafter, the information is transmitted from theintermediate transmission device to a host system via the wide areanetwork. The intermediate transmission device may comprise a cellularphone or a satellite transceiver.

[0030] A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprisesa data collection and transmission system, including a portable dataacquisition device for collecting and storing data, and having at leastone of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPANcommunication port. At least one peripheral device includes a WLANcommunication port for receiving at least one communication from theportable data acquisition device and for performing an operation inresponse thereto. A central storage system is capable of communicatingwith the portable data acquisition device via the at least one of theWWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPANcommunication port, wherein the central storage system is furtherconfigured to receive the collected and stored data from the portabledata acquisition device and to form and maintain a database of thecollected and stored data.

[0031] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a data collection and transmission system, including aportable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data, and atransceiver device operably engaged with the portable data acquisitiondevice and including at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLANcommunication port, and a WPAN communication port. The system furtherincludes at least one peripheral device including a WLAN communicationport for receiving at least one communication from the portable dataacquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto.A central storage system is capable of communicating with the portabledata acquisition device via the transceiver device and the at least oneof the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and theWPAN communication port, wherein the central storage system is furtherconfigured to receive the collected and stored data from the portabledata acquisition device via the transceiver device and to form andmaintain a database of the collected and stored data.

[0032] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises amethod of delivering an item from an original location to a desiredlocation. At least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitudeassociated with the desired location is loaded into a data acquisitiondevice having an immediate location and the item is then delivered whenthe immediate location corresponds to the desired location.

[0033] A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprisesa method of identifying an inaccuracy in a delivery of an item. First, adestination address of the item and a destination GPS positionassociated with the destination address are directed to a dataacquisition device, wherein the data acquisition device includes a GPSsensor. The item is transported to a location according to thedestination address and an actual GPS position of the location isdetermined. The actual GPS position of the location is compared to thedestination GPS position associated with the destination address and analert for the inaccuracy in the delivery is provided if the comparisonexceeds a selected threshold.

[0034] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a data acquisition device having a GPS sensor configured todetermine a GPS position of a location, wherein the GPS positionincludes at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude of thelocation. A processor is configured to receive NEMA formatted data for adestination address, wherein the NEMA formatted data has at least one ofa latitude, a longitude and an altitude associated with the destinationaddress. The processor is further configured to compare the GPS positionof the location to the NEMA formatted data associated with thedestination address, and to provide an alert if the comparison exceeds aselected threshold.

[0035] Yet still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a system for collecting delivery data associated with a driverof a delivery vehicle for a carrier, wherein the delivery data includesat least one of time study statistics and work measurement statistics.Such a system includes a data acquisition device having a GPS sensorconfigured to determine GPS data, at least one sensor operably engagedwith the delivery vehicle and configured to determine particular data,and an application residing on the data acquisition device. Theapplication is configured to selectively direct, in real time, receptionand recordation of the GPS data from the GPS sensor and reception andrecordation of the particular data from the at least one sensor.

[0036] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises amethod of delivering an item from an original address to a destinationaddress. First, delivery information associated with the item isdirected to a data acquisition device, wherein the data acquisitiondevice includes a GPS sensor, while the delivery information includesthe destination address of the item and a GPS position associated withthe destination address and provided by the GPS sensor. The item is thentransported to a location, where an identifier associated with the itemis captured from the item. The delivery information associated with theitem is determined from the identifier and an actual GPS position of thelocation is determined. The GPS position associated with the destinationaddress is then compared to the actual GPS position of the location soas to determine a position differential and an alert is provided if theposition differential exceeds a threshold.

[0037] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of delivering an item sent by a sender from anoriginal address to a receiver at a destination address. First, deliveryinformation associated with the item is directed from a server to aportable data acquisition device, wherein the portable data acquisitiondevice includes a GPS sensor and at least one of a WLAN data radio and aWWAN data radio configured to receive the delivery information, whilethe delivery information includes the destination address of the itemand a GPS position associated with the destination address. The item isdelivered to a location according to the delivery information and thenactual GPS data associated with the location is determined with the GPSsensor, wherein the actual GPS data includes a time of delivery and aphysical location of delivery. At least one of the time of delivery andthe physical location of delivery is then directed to the carrier servervia at least one of the WLAN data radio and the WWAN data radio.

[0038] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of delivering an item from a sender to a consignee.First, delivery information associated with the item is directed from acarrier server to a portable data acquisition device, wherein theportable data acquisition device includes a WPAN data radio, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) communication port, and at least one of a WLANdata radio and a WWAN data radio for receiving the delivery information.The item is then delivered to the consignee according to the deliveryinformation. Data associated with the delivery of the item to theconsignee is then collected and directed via at least one of the WPANdata radio and the IrDA communication port to a computer associated withthe consignee.

[0039] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a portable data acquisition device adapted to interact with auser. Such a device includes a GPS sensor configured to determine ageographic location of the user and a signature capture window displayconfigured to receive a signature of the user. A processor is configuredto compare the signature of the user to a list of authorized signaturesfor the geographic location of the user so as to verify a signatureauthority of the user.

[0040] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a system for a portable electronic device implementing aWindows™ CE operating system, wherein the system is configured toprotect data entries into the portable electronic device. Such a systemincludes a random access memory module for temporarily storing the dataentries, a permanent memory module in communication with the randomaccess memory module and configured to permanently store selected onesof the data entries, and an intermediate memory module in communicationwith the random access memory module and the permanent memory module,wherein the intermediate memory module is configured to be non-volatileand capable of permanently storing the data entries.

[0041] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of protecting data entries associated with an eventand received by a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™ CEoperating system. First, the data entries are received in a randomaccess memory module and in an intermediate memory module, both operablyengaged with the portable electronic device. Selected ones of the dataentries are then transferred, upon completion of the event, from atleast one of the random access memory module and the intermediate memorymodule to a permanent memory module operably engaged with the portableelectronic device, for permanent storage thereof.

[0042] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises amethod of retrieving specific data from a private database of a customerusing a portable electronic device having a wireless local area network(WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, awireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, and an Infrared DataAssociation (IRDA) communication port operably engaged therewith. First,communication with a computer device housing the private database isestablished and the private database accessed via at least one of theWPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port. The specific data fromthe private database is then determined and received at the portableelectronic device.

[0043] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of selecting a data radio from a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) dataradio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio operablyengaged with a portable electronic device. First, a task to be performedby the portable electronic device is determined and the task thenassociated with one of the data radios according to a matching criteria,before the data radio associated with the task is actuated.

[0044] A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprisesa tool capable of being operably engaged with and extracting data from aportable electronic device having an operating system, a processor, aFlash Memory module, an NVRAM module, a Wireless Local Area Network(WLAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communicationport. Such a data extraction tool includes a communication portconfigured to communicate with the portable electronic device via atleast one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port, and aprocessing portion configured to selectively locate and extract datafrom at least one of the Flash Memory module and the NVRAM module,independently of the processor and the operating system.

[0045] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of regulating a battery pack for a portableelectronic device having at least one of an application programinterface (API) and software capable of directing interaction with thebattery pack. First, a condition of the battery pack, having a charge ofpower, is monitored and then the power from the battery pack isallocated so as to optimize usage of the charge. Recharging of thebattery pack is then directed independently of instructional input froman external recharging station.

[0046] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises amethod of determining a capacity of a battery for a portable electronicdevice. First, data associated with typical operational conditions ofthe portable electronic device during a shift is analyzed. Atask-specific battery power usage profile for the portable electronicdevice during the shift is then developed. The battery capacity is thenoptimized according to the power usage profile, wherein the batterycapacity corresponding to power required by the electronic device duringthe shift.

[0047] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of testing an impact durability of a container,wherein the container being generally defined by a longitudinal axis anda lateral axis disposed perpendicularly thereto. First, the container isreleased from a height above a surface such that gravity directs thecontainer in a vertical direction toward impact with the surface. Thecontainer is simultaneously directed in a horizontal direction such thatthe container impacts the surface with a velocity having a verticalcomponent and a horizontal component. In some instances, the containermay also be simultaneously rotated about at least one of thelongitudinal and lateral axes.

[0048] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises, in a portable electronic device having a longitudinal axisgenerally adapted to be directed at a user, a data entry keypad adaptedto receive input from a pair of thumbs while the corresponding hands aregrasping and supporting the device. Such a keypad includes a pluralityof V-shaped rows of keys, wherein the keys are disposed on a face of theportable electronic device within a natural range of motion of thethumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands. EachV-shaped row has an apex disposed within a central region of the faceand directed at the user, wherein the central region is disposed alongthe longitudinal axis. Each V-shaped row further includes opposingdistal ends extending outwardly of the apex and directed away from theuser. The keys are disposed on the face and with respect to the centralregion so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic deviceabout the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the keys by the thumbs.

[0049] A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprisesa method of stabilizing a portable electronic device having a keypad asthe keypad is typed upon with a pair of thumbs, wherein the deviceincludes a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a userand a plurality of keys in the keypad for entering data into theportable electronic device with the user's thumbs as the portableelectronic device is grasped by the user's hands. First, the keys arepositioned in a plurality of V-shaped rows, with each V-shaped rowhaving an apex disposed within a central region and directed at theuser, wherein the central region is disposed along the longitudinalaxis. Each V-shaped row further includes opposing distal ends extendingoutwardly of the central region and directed away from the user. Eachoff-apex key is separated from the central region by a distance, whereinminimizing the distance between each of the off-apex keys and thecentral region thereby minimizes rotation of the portable electronicdevice about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keysby the thumbs.

[0050] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises,in a portable electronic device, a data entry keypad adapted to receiveinput from a gloved digit of a hand, wherein the keypad is disposed upona face of the device. Such a keypad includes a plurality of keys eachhaving a center and separated by a key pitch distance, wherein the keypitch distance is a center-to-center distance betweenadjacently-disposed keys. The key pitch distance is selected tofacilitate actuation of each key by the gloved digit without actuatingan adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

[0051] Still another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a portable electronic device having a top face and a bottomface, wherein such a portable electronic device includes an actuatoradapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the handis grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on the bottom faceof the portable electronic device so as to be naturally accessible bythe index finger.

[0052] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises aportable data acquisition device including a data input device, amemory, a data storage device, a data transmission device, an actuator,and a casing. The casing is configured for containing the data inputdevice, the memory, the data storage device, and the data transmissiondevice. The casing is further configured to be substantially resistantto moisture intrusion and comprises a continuous membrane defining atleast one opening configured to receive the actuator. The membrane isconfigured to operably engage the actuator so as to substantiallyprevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator.

[0053] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a portable electronic device and holder assembly. Such anassembly includes a holder adapted to be attached to a user, wherein theholder has a first end, an elongate arm extending from the first end toan opposing second end, a hook operably engaged with the second end ofthe arm, wherein the hook has a tine separated from the arm by a span,and a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of railsspaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across thespan to the tine, wherein the free end is biased toward the tine by abiasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate. The span,the arm, the tine, and the gate of the holder are configured to receiveand secure a pin therein. The pin is operably engaged with the portableelectronic device, and spans a channel defined thereby, and, as such theportable electronic device is secured to the holder. A pair of shoulderson an edge of a casing of the portable electronic device defines thechannel and has the pin operably engaged therebetween. The shoulders areconfigured with respect to the edge of the casing such that the gate isurged away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronicdevice is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first endof the holder. The pin is thereby removable from the span so as todisengage the portable electronic device from the holder.

[0054] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a holder adapted to be attached to a user and capable of beingoperably engaged with a portable electronic device. The device includesa pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing thereof, wherein theshoulders cooperate to define a channel and have a pin operably engagedtherebetween. Such a holder includes a first end, an elongate armextending from the first end to an opposing second end, and a hookoperably engaged with the second end of the arm, wherein the hook has atine separated from the arm by a span. A gate has a hinged end rotatablyengaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end, and afree end extending across the span to the tine. The free end is biasedtoward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm andthe gate. The span is configured to receive the pin therein, wherein thepin is securable between the arm, the tine, and the gate so as tothereby secure the portable electronic device to the holder. Theshoulders are configured with respect to the edge of the casing so as tourge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm when the portableelectronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward thefirst end of the holder. The pin is thereby removable from the span soas to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.

[0055] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a method of non-visually determining a relation of a portableelectronic device to a holder, wherein the holder includes a hookoperably engaged with one end of an arm. The hook further includes atine separated from the arm by a span. A gate has a hinged end inrotatable communication with a pair of rails operably engaged with thearm, and a free end extending therefrom across the span to the tine,wherein the free end is biased toward the tine by a biasing device. Theportable electronic device has a pin operably engaged therewith, whereinthe pin is configured to removably engage the holder so as to secure theportable electronic device thereto. Accordingly, such a method comprisesproviding at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue to a useras the pin is guided into the span of the hook and secured therein viacooperation of the arm, the tine, the gate, and the biasing device.

[0056] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises aportable electronic device including an elongate stylus having anactuation end, a medial portion, and a distal end, wherein the medialportion defines a circumferential groove. A casing defines a recessconfigured to receive and house the actuation end of the stylus, whereinthe recess extends to a channel defined by the casing. The channel isconfigured to receive the medial portion of the stylus, while the recessand the channel are configured to cooperate to receive the stylus suchthat the distal end extends from the groove and outwardly of the casing.A retaining mechanism is operably engaged with the channel incorrespondence with the circumferential groove defined by the medialportion of the stylus, wherein the retaining mechanism is configured tooperably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure thestylus to the casing.

[0057] Yet another advantageous aspect of the present inventioncomprises a portable electronic device defining a longitudinal axisgenerally adapted to be directed at a user and adapted to be grasped andoperated by the user's hands. Such a portable electronic device includesa casing for containing a data input device, a memory, a data storagedevice, and a data transmission device, wherein the casing is configuredto be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprises asubstantially continuous membrane defining at least one opening. Anactuator, adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand whilethe hand is grasping the device, is disposed on a bottom face of thecasing, in the at least one opening, so as to be naturally accessible bythe index finger. The actuator is configured to operably engage themembrane so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into thecasing about the actuator. A main display having a major dimension and aminor dimension is operably engaged with a top face of the casing suchthat the major dimension is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe case. A keypad including a plurality of keys is disposed on a topface of the casing so as to be capable of being engaged with a thumb ofeach hand when the casing is grasped by the user's hands.

[0058] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises aportable data acquisition device capable of collecting, storing andtransmitting data. Such a device includes a casing and a wireless localarea network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN)data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio housed bythe casing. In addition, the device includes at least one of aprocessor, a real-time clock, a memory, a keypad, a touch screen, agraphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a videocapturing device, a receiver, a transmitter, a sensor, a switch, adisplay, a speaker, an indicator, an alert device, an acoustic modem anddialer, a cellular telephone, a hard copy printing device, a stylus, abattery charging indicator, a battery, a battery interface, a batterycharger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery levelindicator, a power management processor, an Infrared Data Association(IRDA) communication port, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, anoperating system, a diagnostic system, an application software loader, asystems software loader, a database, a database manager, and anapplication program interface (API), operably engaged with the casing.

[0059] Thus, embodiments of the present invention meet the needs in theart and provide significant advantages as detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0060] Having thus described the invention in general terms, referencewill now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarilydrawn to scale, and wherein:

[0061] FIGS. 1A-1E, 2-8, and 9A-9E illustrate various views of aportable data acquisition device according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0062] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate various views of a portable dataacquisition device and relationship thereof to a device holder accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate an operational sequence for a portabledata acquisition device being disengaged from a device holder, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIGS. 14-19 illustrate various views of a device holder for aportable data acquisition device according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0065] FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate various views of a portable dataacquisition device and relationship thereof to a battery rechargingstation according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066]FIG. 21 illustrates an assembly view and an exploded view of aroller switch according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0067]FIG. 22 illustrates a relationship between a portable dataacquisition device and a central host system according to one embodimentof the present invention;

[0068]FIG. 23 illustrates a system schematic of a data acquisitiondevice according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0069]FIG. 24 illustrates a portable data acquisition device accordingto an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] The present inventions now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theseinventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0071] FIGS. 1A-1E, 2-8, 9A-9E, and 22-24 show various views of aportable data acquisition device according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, the device being indicated generally by the numeral1. As explained in greater detail herein, the device 1 is generallyconfigured to collect package tracking data, typically at a distributioncenter, at the package delivery location, and in various locationstherebetween or otherwise, to store the package tracking data, and toforward the package tracking data to a mainframe data repository 200 viaone of several communication devices and methods. The device 1 generallyincludes a casing 10, a keypad 20, and a display 30. The casing 10includes a longitudinal axis 11 and the keypad 20 and display arearranged on a top surface 12 of the casing 10 and with respect tolongitudinal axis 11 so as to be usable by a user when the longitudinalaxis 11 is directed at the user. The display 30 is generallyrectangular, though other shapes may be used for the display 30 in someinstances, as includes a major dimension and a minor dimension. In someinstances, the display 30 may be configured in a “landscape” orientationwith respect to the casing 10 such that the major dimension of thedisplay 30 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11. Accordingly,more data about a particular item or delivery may be displayed on acontinuous line across the display 30. For example, the device 1 and thedisplay 30 may be configured such that data from a single delivery, onceentered into the device 1, may be displayed on one continuous lineacross the display 30.

[0072] According to one advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention, the keys comprising the keypad 20 are disposed on the topsurface 12 of the device 1 in a plurality of V-shaped rows 22. EachV-shaped row 22 is defined by an apex key 22 a disposed about thelongitudinal axis 11, with the off-apex keys 22 b extending outwardlyfrom and along the longitudinal axis 11 on either side of the apex key22 a. However, in some instances, the apex key 22 a may be disposed in acentral region (not shown), the central region being disposed along thelongitudinal axis 11, such that the apex key 22 a is not necessarilycentered on the longitudinal axis 11. In such instances, the off-apexkeys 22 b would extend from the apex key 22 a in the central region.Further, when the device 1 is held by the user with two hands, the keyswithin each V-shaped row 22 lie within the natural range of motion ofthe two thumbs so as to allow “thumb typing”. The location of each keyon the keypad 22, including the distance of each key from the side edgesof the casing 10, is preferably configured to accommodate use by anaverage size hand without excessive reaching by the thumbs. Accordingly,the apex key 22 a is closer to a reaching thumb when placed at the apexof the V-shaped row 22 than if it were placed at the center of astraight row. In some instances, the keypad 20 may be arranged such thatthe alphanumeric and some function keys are within the easiest and mostnatural reach of the thumbs, while lesser-used keys, such as somelesser-used function keys, are more remotely disposed from the thumbs,but also within reach thereof In other instances, the keypad 20 isarranged such that the alphanumeric keys remain substantially visible tothe user during alternating thumb typing by the user. According toanother aspect of the present invention, in some instances, the size,shape, and other parameters of the keys on the keypad 20 are optimizedfor users wearing gloves. That is, for gloved-hand operation, the keysare sized and have a key pitch distance (the center-to-center separationdistance between adjacently-disposed keys) that allows each key to beactuated by a gloved thumb without interfering with or unintentionallyactuating an adjacently-disposed key. The key pitch distance may rangebetween about 0.4 inches and about 0.9 inches, though, in oneembodiment, the preferred key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches (about1.5 cm).

[0073] According to yet another advantageous aspect of the presentinvention, the keypad 20 may also be optimized so as to minimizerotation of the device 1 about the longitudinal axis 11 while the useris thumb typing on the keypad 20. In part, the V-shaped rows 22 of keysaccommodate the natural rocking motion of the device 1 during the taskof alternating thumb typing. In use, the device 1 rocks gently back andforth about the longitudinal axis 11 as the user exerts force on thekeys with alternating thumbs. Actuation of the keys on or close to thelongitudinal axis 11 produces a mild rocking motion, while actuation ofthe outermost keys may produce a more pronounced rocking motion. Thus,the V-shape of the rows 22 of keys allows each key to be disposed closerto the longitudinal axis 11 and thereby lowers the effective leverdistance between the longitudinal axis 11 of the device 1 and the keybeing actuated. Accordingly, the amount of rotation about thelongitudinal axis 11 imparted to the device 10 during thumb typing isreduced. In other words, a straight row of keys extending across thecasing would be longer than the V-shaped row 22 and would require theuser to actuate keys much further away from the longitudinal axis 11,thereby causing a greater rotation and a more pronounced rocking of thedevice 1 about the longitudinal axis 11. As such, the resultingexcessive rocking could interfere with efficient use of the device andcorrect typing thereon. Accordingly, placement of the keys in V-shapedrows 22 locates the keys closer to the longitudinal axis 11 of thedevice 1 and thereby minimizes the rocking motion of the device 1 duringtyping. One skilled in the art will also note that the configuration ofthe casing 10 in a rounded, approximately hourglass shape provides arounded surface about the keypad 20 which further assists in minimizingthe rocking motion of the device 1. The rounded surface, for instance,allows the thumbs to move inward toward the keypad 20 about theuppermost and lowermost keys on the keypad 20, thereby requiring lesscontortion of the hands and thus less rocking of the device 1.

[0074] Some embodiments of the present invention may implement a keypad20 having linear rows of keys as shown, for example, in FIG. 24.Further, in some alternate embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, the keypad20 may also include one or two sets of scan keys 28 configured to beoperated by the thumbs of the user's hands for scrolling through text onthe display 30 or for performing other input functions. Each set of scankeys 28 includes, for instance, one or more lateral scan keys 28 a andone or more longitudinal or “up” and “down” keys 28 b. However, oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the function imparted by eachset of scan keys 28 may also be implemented in different manners. Forexample, a roller, a joystick, or a rocker controller may be implementedand configured to provide the same or similar functionality. Ininstances where two sets of scan keys 28 are included, one set for eachthumb, one-handed operation of the device 1 may be possible.

[0075] Since the environment in which the device 1 is operated may varyconsiderably, the keypad 20 and/or the display 30 may be configured soas to prevent moisture, for example, in the form of water or watervapor, dust, or other impurities from entering the casing 10 about thatcomponent. For example, the keypad 20 may further comprise a flexiblemembrane (not shown) extending over the keys, or the keys may comprise aflexible membrane, wherein the membrane may be comprised of silicone andis sealed to the casing 10 about the keys. In other instances, the keysmay be comprised of silicone and configured to individually engage andform a seal with the casing 10. One skilled in the art will appreciate,however, that many different methods of preventing moisture or othercontaminants from entering the casing 10 may also be implemented.Further, though the keypad 20 has been described herein in terms ofindividual actuatable keys, the keypad 20 may have many otherconfigurations as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Forexample, the keypad 20 may be implemented in an electronic touch screen(not shown), which may be independent of or integral with the display30. Such a touch screen may comprise, for example, a keypad superimposedon a CRT or on an LCD screen. In some instances, the display 30 may alsobe at least partially configured as a touch-sensitive screen where, forexample, a portion of the display 30 may be configured as a signaturecapture window (not shown) as will also be appreciated by one skilled inthe art and described further herein.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the casing10 of the device 1 includes a bottom surface 13 generally opposing thetop surface 12. The bottom surface 13 further comprises a plurality ofpads 90 extending outwardly therefrom. The pads 90 are configured tocooperate to define a bottom plane 80 on which the device 1 rests whenplaced on a surface. The bottom plane 80 may be generally parallel tothe bottom surface 12 or may be angled with respect thereto such that,for example, the display 30 is tilted upwardly toward the user when thedevice 1 is placed on a flat surface. The device 1 may include pads 90of any shape that is suited to the particular geometry or spatial needsof the device 1. As shown, according to one advantageous embodiment, thedevice 1 comprises a pair of grasping pads 90 a disposed about oppositeedges of the bottom surface 13 so as to be generally opposed to thekeypad 20 on the top surface 12. The grasping pads 90 a are configuredsuch that, when the user's hands are grasping the device 1 such that thekeypad 20 is in the natural range of motion of the thumbs, the otherfingers of the hands will be able to naturally wrap about the respectivegrasping pads 90 a so that the hands securely grasp the casing 10. Theportions of the respective pads 90 defining the bottom plane 80 may alsobe textured or have a textured material applied thereto so as tofacilitate a secure grasp by the user or to prevent the device 1 fromsliding when placed on a surface.

[0077] According to another advantageous aspect of the presentinvention, the pads 90 extending from the bottom surface 13 of thecasing 10 further cooperate to define an amorphous recess 85, whereinthe term “amorphous” is meant to convey that the recess 85 need not havea definable geometric shape, but rather may be defined by a variety ofcurvilinear or rectilinear shapes, extending in all three dimensions,across the bottom surface 13 of the casing 10. The recess 85 includesall surfaces on the bottom surface 13 of the casing 10 which arerecessed toward the casing 10 with respect to the bottom plane 80.Accordingly, as described further herein, various components, such as ascanner 55, a pin 50, and rotary switches 40 or other actuators may belocated within the recess 85. According to one aspect, locating theseand other components within the recess 85 protects the components fromdamage caused by surface moisture or physical impact or other contactwith an external surface. Further, these components are also protectedfrom unintentional actuation or other corruption caused by unintendedmotion or contact of the bottom surface 13 with external objects. Thepads 90, thus arranged, provide a stable base for the device 1, whileraising the device 1 above the surface upon which it rests and therebyproviding protection for components disposed within the recess 85.

[0078] In one advantageous embodiment, the device 1 may further includeone or more rotary switches 40 for scrolling through text on the display30 or for performing other input functions, wherein such rotary switches40 will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Accordingly, a rotaryswitch 40 may be disposed within the recess 85 on the bottom surface 13such that the user, while grasping the side edges of the casing 10 withboth hands, with the thumbs within reach of the keys on the keypad 20and the remaining fingers wrapped about the grasping pads 90 a, mayreadily operate the rotary switch 40 with an index finger on the bottomface 13 of the casing 10. In some instances, the rotary switches 40 mayalso be sized, shaped, and/or textured to accommodate gloved-handoperation. In another aspect, because scrolling through text and menusmay be one of the main operations performed by the user, the indexfinger location on the bottom surface 13, as determined at least in partby the configuration of the grasping pads 90 a, may also be configuredas “anchor points” to place the hands of the user in proper positionswith respect to the device 1. Further, other switches or actuators maybe placed about the index finger locations so as to increase theflexibility of the device 1 and expand the operations that may beperformed by the index fingers.

[0079] As shown, one or more rotary switches 40 are located within therecess 85 on the bottom surface 13 of the casing 10 at locations wherethe respective rotary switch 40 corresponds to the natural location ofthe user's index finger when grasping the device 1 with both hands. Therotary switches 40 are disposed within the recess 85 at least partiallyto prevent damage and to avoid accidental actuation thereof. When thedevice 1 is placed with the bottom plane 80 on a surface, the rotaryswitches 40 and other components within the recess 85 will be spacedapart from that surface. If the device 1 is placed, for example, on atable on the bottom plane 80 defined by the pads 90, the recessedlocation of the rotary switches 40 may prevent accidental actuation ordamage thereto. Likewise, if the device 1 is placed, for example, withthe top surface 12 down on the top of a package, the pads 90 on theexposed bottom surface 13 of the device 1 may also protect the rotaryswitches 40 from accidental actuation.

[0080] However, since the rotary switches 40 are installed in the casing10, measures must also be undertaken to prevent moisture intrusion intothe casing 10 through or about the rotary switches 40. Such a rotaryswitch 40, as shown in FIG. 21, typically comprises a housing 41 and aroller element 42 disposed at least partially within the housing 41.Accordingly, the housing 41 may be configured to engage the casing 10 soas to prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the housing 41.For example, a seal (not shown) may be disposed between the housing 41and the casing 10 so as to seal out moisture. In another embodiment, awater-resistant rotary switch 40 may be provided by a grommet 43operably engaged between the housing 41 and the roller element 42, theroller element 42 comprising, for example, a ball, a dial, or the like.Such a grommet 43 would cooperate with the roller element 42 so as toallow the roller element 42 to freely rotate, while protecting thehousing 41 and the casing 10 from water intrusion. In some instances,the moisture resistance of the rotary switch 40 may be accomplishedthrough the configuration of the housing 41 immediately adjacent to theroller element 42, with or without the grommet 43. In still otherinstances, the housing 41 may be configured to be sealed such that, whenengaged with the casing 10, a moisture resistant seal is formed. Assuch, the roller element 42 may then be configured to form a switch withthe housing 41. That is, the housing 41 may include a first switchportion (not shown), while the roller element 42 would include orcomprise a corresponding second switch portion (not shown). Therespective switch portions may be configured to cooperate to form aswitch mechanism through, for example, electrical, mechanical, and/ormagnetic arrangements. One skilled in the art will thus appreciate thatmany different forms of water-resistant rotary switches 40 may beprovided. Such water-resistant rotary switches 40 are thereforeprotected against, for example, rain, splashed water from any direction,and ambient humidity, and also serve to protect the casing 10 frommoisture intrusion.

[0081] In some embodiments, such rotary switches 40 may not necessarilybe implemented in the device 1. For example, the functionality of suchrotary switches 40 may be accomplished through the use of other devicescapable of being actuated by the index fingers such as, for example, aroller, a joystick, or a rocker controller, as will be appreciated byone skilled in the art. However, in still other instances, thefunctionality of the rotary switches 40 may be obviated by, for example,the use of scan keys 28, wherein the scan keys 28 may be incorporatedinto the keypad 20 for actuation by the user's thumbs or disposed withinthe recess 85 for actuation by the user's index fingers. Thus, oneskilled in the art will appreciate that many different configurations ofactuators may be implemented for scrolling through text and other inputfunction as described herein with respect to, for example, the rollerswitches 40 and the scan keys 28.

[0082] According to some advantageous aspects of the present invention,the device 1 may further include or be capable of housing a stylus 45for performing various functions with respect to the device 1. Forexample, the device 1 may comprise a signature capture window (notshown) integral with or separate from the display 30, wherein such asignature capture window will be appreciate by one skilled in the art asbeing capable of electronically capturing writing by the stylus 45 on atouch-sensitive screen. Alternatively, the stylus 45 may be configuredto interact with the keypad 20 or, for example, may merely comprise awriting instrument such as a pen or pencil. Since such a separatecomponent associated with the device 1 may be prone to being misplacedor lost, the device 1 may, in some instances, include a tether 45 e(FIG. 4) connecting the stylus 45 to the casing 10. In other instances,the casing 10 may be configured to house and secure the stylus 45 whenthe stylus 45, having an actuation end 45 a, a medial portion 45 b, anda distal end 45 c, is not in use. More particularly, the casing 10 maydefine a recess 46 along a side of the casing 10, the recess 46extending to an elongate channel 47, also along the side of the casing.The recess 46 and the channel 47 are configured to cooperate to receivethe stylus 45 therein, such that the actuation end 45 a is disposed inthe recess 46 while the medial portion 45 b of the stylus 45 is housedby the channel 47 and the distal end 45 c extends beyond the channel 47so as to facilitate removal of the stylus 45 for use with the device 1.In some instances, the medial portion 45 b of the stylus 45 may includea circumferential groove 45 d configured to engage a retainingmechanism, such as a pair of flanges 47 a, engaged with the channel 47in correspondence with the circumferential groove 45 d and for securingthe stylus 45 within the channel 47. Such flanges 47 a may be, forexample, comprised of a flexible material or otherwise configured withrespect to the circumferential groove 45 d to facilitate engagement anddisengagement of the stylus 45 with respect to the casing 10. Forexample, the flanges 47 a may be configured such that the stylus 45engages the channel 47 in a snap fit, a friction fit, or in any othersuitable manner.

[0083] As will be further described herein, one skilled in the art willalso appreciate that portable electronic devices typically includesensitive components wherein the components and/or the casing 10 maybecome damaged if the device 1 is dropped by the user. As such, it wouldbe desirable to test the impact durability of the device 1 in order todetermine if the device 1 may be suitably configured to resist suchimpact and continue operation. However, such portable devices 1 aretypically not dropped in a direct vertical direction, but bobbled as theuser is in motion. Thus, the device 1 will generally be dropped withsome horizontal motion, as well as with some rotation about an axis ofthe device 1 as a result of being bobbled by the user. Thus, anotheraspect of the present invention comprises a durability test for thedevice 1 that includes rotating or tumbling drops in addition to purelyvertical drops. The dynamic test method includes an apparatus forimparting a known rotational velocity and/or a known lateral orhorizontal velocity to the device 1 at the moment the device 1 isdropped. The rotational velocity and/or the horizontal velocity impartedto the device 1 are known and recorded in order to gather data about therelative durability of the device 1 under different dynamic conditions,and to make any necessary durability improvements to the device 1. Forexample, the casing 10 may be selectively reinforced, impact-absorbingmaterial may be added to the casing 10, or the material comprising thecasing 10 may be altered. Each test includes, of course, a downwardvertical velocity component as the device 1 accelerates due to the forceof gravity, and the dynamic test method and apparatus is further capableof imparting both a rotational and a horizontal velocity component tothe device 1. According to one embodiment, the test method and apparatusmay be configured to drop the device 1 from a height of between about 1foot and about 10 feet above the impact surface and the reaction of thedevice 1 may be measured with, for example, a sensor (not shown)disposed within the casing 10. The combination of velocity componentsused in the test method and apparatus of the present invention is thusconfigured to account for the variety of environmental conditionsactually observed in the operating environment.

[0084] One ongoing concern with portable electronic devices is the size,weight, and capacity of the battery 400 used to power the device 1.Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, one or morebattery parameters are monitored and controlled by the device 1. Moreparticularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the rechargingand testing functions of the battery pack 400 are directed by one ormore software applications executed within and by the device 1.Monitoring and management of the battery pack 400 by the device 1thereby reduces the need for an external battery recharging station thatimplements independent monitoring and status functions. The recharging,testing, and the power usage from the battery pack 400 may be controlledby the device 1, which serves to optimize the battery operational lifeand allows operational data to be collected from the battery pack 400and the device 1 during operation. The software applications and/orassociated hardware may also be configured to allocate battery power tothe different functions and components of the device 1 according to, forexample, the highest priority and/or necessity for maintainingoperability of the device 1, wherein such a power allocation capabilityis generally not available when the battery control functions areassociated with an external battery recharging station.

[0085] According to this aspect of the present invention, the softwareand/or hardware for controlling and powering the device 1 includecommands, function, or the like for monitoring the charge, condition, orother status of the battery pack, for controlling the allocation ofbattery power resources during operation of the device 1, and fordirecting and monitoring the recharging process for the battery pack400. In one advantageous embodiment, the device 1 includes anapplication program interface (API) using the application software forcontrolling and monitoring the status of the battery pack 400, theallocation of power therefrom and the recharging process therefor. Thestatus monitoring functions may include, for example, monitoring thecharge level of the battery pack 400, the power usage for a particulartask, the time required for a task, and the recharging status of thebattery pack 400. In some instances, the monitoring function may alsoserve to indicate any abnormal power usage conditions, to determine andimplement reduced-power usage mode parameters, and/or to indicateoperational parameters associated with the battery pack 400. When thebattery pack 400 is engaged with the associated external rechargingstation 420 through contacts 15 in the casing 10, as shown in FIGS.20A-20C, the software/hardware for battery monitoring and/or the APIprovides the necessary instructional input to the recharging station 420for recharging the battery 400 while monitoring the condition of thebattery 400 during the recharging process. In some instances, however,the software/hardware for battery monitoring and/or the API may just beconfigured to determine whether to accept power from the rechargingstation 420 for recharging the battery 400. Accordingly, the device 1 isconfigured to start and stop the charging process so as to provide foroptimum recharging conditions, and is also capable of identifying andalerting the user to any abnormalities in the charging process or withthe battery pack 400 and/or device 1.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, theoperational life or capacity of the rechargeable battery pack 400 isdetermined according to the duration of the typical work shift for thetypical user of the portable electronic device 1. In the alternative,the capacity of the battery pack 400 may be more particularly determinedand tailored to a particular work shift for a particular user, or may bedetermined on a taskspecific basis such that a shift is determinedaccording to a particular allocation of such tasks. Further, studies ofthe power usage patterns of similar portable electronic devices mayprovide designers with information about how the device 1 is likely tobe used and the power consumption thereof during a typical work shift orin intervals where the user is away from the recharging station. Thus,one skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery capacity may becustomized in many different manners. As a result, according to oneembodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 400 used to powerthe device 1 may be sized to have a capacity for providing sufficientpower for the device 1 for a typical work shift. The battery pack 400may be optimized by altering, for example, the size, the weight, thetype, the charging and/or discharging characteristics, and/or thestorage capacity of the battery 400, as appropriate. As such, the device1 is not burdened with significant extra weight or battery capacity thatis not needed. The optimization of the battery life thereby helps tokeep the weight of the device 1 to a minimum, while simultaneouslyproviding sufficient power for the expected conditions of operationduring the shift.

[0087] However, in some instances, since the characteristics of abattery 400 may change over time, the battery 400 may be configured tohave a reserve charge capable of operating the device 1 in either a fullpower or reduced power mode for a particular amount of time until thebattery pack 400 can be recharged. The battery 400 may be configured toindicate to the device 1 when the reserve charge is actuated or, forexample, the software/hardware for monitoring the device 1 or the APImay be configured to identify when the reserve charge is actuated. Ineither instance, the battery 400 and/or the device 1 may be configuredto provide an alert to the user that the reserve charge is in effect.The reduced-power usage mode for the device 1 may comprise, for example,a “sleep” mode where only necessary functions of the device 1 remainoperational, wherein the variety of configurations for such a sleep modewill be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In some instances, thereserve charge may provide a reserve power capacity of, for example,between about 5% and about 100% of the optimized battery capacity forthe particular device 1. In either instance, regardless of whether areserve capacity is provided with the battery 400, the conditions duringa shift may be continuously or periodically monitored and the batteryre-optimized, if necessary. Further, the monitored parameters of thebattery pack 400 and/or the device 1, such as the condition of thebattery pack 400, the power allocation to the device 1, and therecharging conditions, may also periodically be gather and used toprovide a report.

[0088] In some instances, a battery system for a portable electronicdevice may have both a primary and secondary power source. As such,according to some embodiments of the present invention, the device 1 mayhave a battery pack 400 configured so that the primary power sourcetherein serves as both the primary and secondary power sources. Forexample, the battery pack 400 may be divided into two separate cells,wherein one cell functions as the primary power source, while the othercell functions as the secondary power source. Accordingly, if theprimary cell dies or otherwise becomes depleted to the point that it isnot able to provide usable power, the secondary cell will havesufficient power to at least preserve the data stored on the device 1.Such a switch between the primary and secondary cells may occurautomatically from the configuration of the battery 400 or may becontrolled, for example, by the software/hardware for battery monitoringand/or the API.

[0089] Since the device 1 may, in some instances, be used to storecertain data, and since the reliability of the battery power of suchportable devices is often uncertain, embodiments of the presentinvention also address the data storage characteristics of the device 1.Thus, according to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention,the device 1 implements a Windows™ CE operating system and includesthree types of memory modules, namely a Dynamic Random Access Memory(DRAM) 360, a programmable permanent memory known as a Flash Memory 380,and a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) 370, as shown in FIG.23. Moreover, the device 1 is capable of using all three types of memorymodules, either separately or in combination, to facilitate, asnecessary, the variety of complex tasks described herein.

[0090] Software applications are typically loaded, executed, and/or runby the device 1 in the DRAM 360, wherein the DRAM 360 also receives datainput by the user and directs the display of the application output orresults. The data contained in the DRAM 360 must be refreshed frequentlyor the contents will be lost. Further, the DRAM 360 comprises a volatilestorage mechanism, which means the data will be lost if electrical powerto the DRAM 360 is lost. The Flash Memory 380, on the other hand, isnon-volatile, programmable, and provides for permanent data storageunless the data is erased. Data stored in the Flash Memory 380 isretained even if electrical power to the Flash Memory 380 is lost. FlashMemory 380 may also be built into the device 1 or provided as aremovable memory card, which may be engaged with/disengaged from thedevice 1 as necessary. Typically, data entered into the DRAM 360 may beselectively transferred to the Flash Memory 380 for permanent storage.However, the process of writing the data to the Flash Memory 380 issometimes time-consuming and, in the field, could easily interfere withthe rapid entry of data that is often required under typical operatingconditions for the device 1. Thus, if power were to be lost before thenecessary data could be written to the Flash Memory 380 from the DRAM360, such data would also be lost.

[0091] Accordingly, advantageous embodiments of the present inventionprovide an additional NVRAM memory module 370 for supplementing the DRAM360 and Flash Memory 380 modules. The NVRAM module 370 provides thedevice 1 and the user with a memory that is both permanent(non-volatile) and configured for high-speed access. Thus, in oneembodiment of the present invention, the NVRAM module 370 acts as anintermediate memory between the volatile DRAM 360 and the permanentFlash Memory 380. Data stored in the NVRAM 370 can be recovered evenafter a total loss of electrical power or a total failure of theoperating system while data is being input. Data may be writtensimultaneously to the NVRAM 370 and the DRAM 360, or sequentially fromthe DRAM 360 to the NVRAM 370. In either instance, the NVRAM 370, inuse, generally retains all of the input data until the softwareapplication/API can purposefully write the data into the Flash Memory380 for permanent storage. In some instances, the device 1 may providethe user with the opportunity to select the memory module to whichentered data will be directed. In still other instances, the data mayonly be written from the NVRAM 370 to the Flash Memory module 380 so asto expedite the data storage process and to reduce redundancy in thesaving the necessary data, though both the DRAM 360 and the NVRAM 370may sometimes be configured such that both memory modules are capable ofwriting the data to the Flash Memory module 380. Thus, the NVRAM 370provides a permanent storage site for data that is usually only storedtemporarily in the DRAM 360, where it is vulnerable to being lost untilit is saved to the Flash Memory 380. Without the presence of the NVRAM370, all unsaved data would be lost if the device 1 experienced a lossof power or a total failure of the operating system 320. Since in thepresent invention the NVRAM 370 stores each data entry permanently,substantially upon being entered in to the device 1, a loss of powerwill not cause an irretrievable loss of data. In one embodiment, theNVRAM 370 comprises, for example, an SRAM having a separate batteryback-up system.

[0092] According to certain advantageous aspects of the presentinvention, the device 1 is configured to receive, manipulate, and outputdata related to package tracking. The device 1 is thus configured withone or more data input components comprising, for example, a keypad 20,a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner 55, an audio capturingdevice, a video capturing device, a stylus, a Global Positioning System(GPS) sensor 310, a real-time clock, a switch 40, and/or combinationsthereof. The device 1 is also configured with one or more data outputcomponents comprising, for example, a display 30, a speaker, anindicator, an acoustic modem/dialer, a hard copy printing device, and/orcombinations thereof. In some instances, the device 1 may be configuredwith a data input/output component such as, for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) communication port 390 or a cellular telephone,wherein the telephone may be operably engaged with the device 1 or havethe necessary componentry built into the device 1 itself. A processor300 and an operating system 320 such as, for example, a Windows™ CEoperating system, are also generally provided for performingmanipulation of the data. The device 1 may also include, for example, adiagnostic software and/or hardware system, an application softwareloader, a systems software loader, and at least one application programinterface (API). Embodiments of the device 1 also include a DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM) 360, a programmable permanent memory knownas a Flash Memory 380, and a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM)370, as previously described, for saving the data. Once the data isinput, manipulated, saved, and prepared for output, particularlyadvantageous embodiments of the present invention may provide at leastone of a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) data radio 330, a WirelessLocal Area Network (WLAN) data radio 340, and a Wireless Personal AreaNetwork (WPAN) data radio 350 for communicating the data with a discreteand remote central data repository or central server 200, as shown inFIGS. 22 and 23.

[0093] According to one advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention, the wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio 330 is oneof several options available in the portable data acquisition device 1for communicating with the central data repository or host system, orother systems. The WWAN data radio 330 is capable of providing realtimecommunication between the portable data acquisition device 1 and thehost system 200. For example, the WWAN data radio 330 may allow thedriver to stay in communication with the host system 200 during thedelivery route. Accordingly, during the route, the driver may benotified, in substantially real time, of a change to the route or theroute along which the driver is directed may be otherwise dynamicallychanged during the day. For instance, if Driver A breaks down, a messagecould be sent via the WWAN data radio 330 to Driver B to direct Driver Bgo to the breakdown location of Driver A and pick up guaranteed deliverypackages, and to continue on Driver A's original route. Alternatively, amessage could be sent via the WWAN data radio 330 to a driver at anytime to inform the driver of a new next day air package pick up, inresponse to which the driver could then change or add to the route topick up the package.

[0094] Accordingly, the user does not need a separate transceiver (e.g.,a DVA or an acoustic modem/dialer) or a telephone line to communicatewith the host system 200. However, in some instances, the separatetransceiver may be provided with the device 1, for example, forredundancy, as a back-up communication device, or as a primarycommunication device in instances where wireless communication may notbe available. When the device 1 is provided with the WWAN data radio330, package tracking data may be uploaded to the host system 200 inreal-time or near real-time as that data is entered into the portabledata acquisition device 1. Voice/data network protocols and frequenciesthat may be supported include, but are not limited to, for example, theglobal system for mobile communications (GSM)/general packet radioservice (GPRS), dualmode advanced mobile phone service (AMPS)/circuitswitched data and code division multiple access (CDMA/1XRTT), DataTAC,and Mobitex. Other network protocols and frequencies are known in theart and can be supported as well. In one embodiment, the GPRS or CDMAwireless wide area network interface allows communication between theportable data acquisition device 1 and public digital cellular telephonenetworks. As such, in one embodiment, the device 1 may be configured asor may include a cellular telephone capable of allowing the user tocommunicate over the public digital cellular telephone networks.

[0095] A wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio 340 is anotherone of the several options available in the device 1 for communicatingwith the host system 200 or other systems. In one advantageousembodiment, the WLAN data radio 340 provides communication between theportable data acquisition device 1 and in-building or other local areasystems when the device 1 is within a confined geographic area such as acarrier or hub facility, a building, a compound, and/or and area withina limited boundary. Data acquisition devices known in the art sometimesrely on separate base station devices with which the device must beengaged in order to download route information and upload end-of-the-daypackage tracking information and statistics. In one advantageousembodiment, the WLAN data radio 340 obviates base station functions andallows direct communication between the data acquisition device 1 andthe host system 200 or a local system, through which to upload dataand/or to direct applications, software updates, or other data to thedevice 1. In another embodiment, the WLAN data radio 340 allows fordirect communication between the device 1 and other wireless deviceswithin the local area system so as to facilitate transfer of databetween the local area system and the data acquisition device 1 whenhost access is not necessary or is unavailable. In some instances,however, the local area system may also be configured to independentlycommunicate with the host system 200. In still another advantageousembodiment, communication between the WLAN data radio 340 and the localarea system may be initiated by a transmitter/receiver arrangement. Forexample, the local area system may include a transmitter device, whilethe device 1 would include a corresponding receiver device. The receiverdevice may be configured so as to receive an actuation signal from thetransmitter device when the device 1 is within a certain proximity tothe local area system, wherein the actuation signal may be configured toinitiate the communication of package tracking data between the device 1and the local area system and/or the host system 200. One skilled in theart will also appreciate that the receiver and transmitter device couldalso be switched between components such that the local area systemwould be provided with the actuation signal upon the device 1 beingwithin a sufficient range thereof.

[0096] A wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio 350 is stillanother one of the several options available to the portable dataacquisition device 1 for communicating with the host system 200 or otherperipheral devices or systems. In one advantageous embodiment of thepresent invention, the WPAN data radio 350 provides connectivity betweenthe portable data acquisition device 1 and peripheral devices typicallyused in the carrier industry such as, for example, personal computersystems such as a carrier computer system and a consignee computersystem, printers, lock boxes, admonishment devices, and door locks, orcombinations thereof using, for example, a protocol such as a Bluetoothprotocol. In another advantageous embodiment, the WPAN data radio 350may also be configured to communicate with a cellular telephone. Thus,if a user operates a portable data acquisition device 1 in an area thatdoes not support one of the WWAN data radio protocols, the user cantransmit package tracking data from the portable data acquisition device1 to a cellular phone via the WPAN data radio 350 and thereby forwardthe data to the host system 200 via the cellular network. Alternatively,the data can be transmitted from the WPAN data radio 350 to avehicle-mounted satellite transceiver and forwarded thereby to the hostsystem through, for example, a wide area satellite network. In stillanother advantageous embodiment, as with the WLAN data radio 340,communication between the WPAN data radio 350 and the peripheral devicesmay be initiated by a transmitter/receiver arrangement. For example, aperipheral device may include a transmitter device, while the device 1would include a corresponding receiver device. The receiver device maybe configured so as to receive an actuation signal from the transmitterdevice when the device 1 is within a certain proximity to the peripheraldevice, wherein the actuation signal may be configured to initiate thecommunication of package tracking data between the device 1 and the hostsystem 200 and/or the communication of other data between the device 1and the peripheral device. One skilled in the art will also appreciatethat the receiver and transmitter device could also be switched betweencomponents such that the peripheral device would be provided with theactuation signal upon the device i being within a sufficient proximitythereto.

[0097] As such, the device 1 may include at least one of the WWAN dataradio 330, the WLAN data radio 340, and the WPAN data radio 350, whereinthe data radio(s) may be integral with the device 1 or configured as atransceiver unit capable of being operably engaged with the device 1.According to one embodiment of the present invention, where the device 1includes more than one of the data radios, a software application maychoose the data radio most suited for the task at hand or theappropriate data radio may be manually chosen by, for example, the useror through a communication from the host system. In instances where thethree types of data radios are available (the WWAN data radio 330, theWLAN data radio 340, and the WPAN data radio 350), the softwareapplication is preferably configured, using a matching criteria, tochoose the appropriate data radio for accomplishing a particular task,however, the data radio may also be chosen by the user from the user'sidentification of the task, by a sensor engaged with the device 1 forevaluating the available manners of communication or the availablesignals therefor, or by the host system 200. For example, the softwareapplication would choose the WPAN data radio 350 to interact with acustomer's database, as described further herein, or the WLAN data radio340 to interact with systems at the carrier's hub, instead of using theother data radios. As previously described, the actuation of aparticular data radio may be accomplished manually, via the softwaresystem or API of the device 1, or through the use of an actuationreceiver/transmitter system, depending upon the task being accomplished.These options for actuating a particular data radio device are directedby, for example, the software application that includes automaticchoosing algorithms, external transmitter actuation, and user actuationfunctions, among other options, to actuate the data radio most suitedfor the particular task at hand. As the appropriate data radio isactuated, the details of the particular task may also be stored by thedevice 1 in a database therein. Subsequently, either in real time or ona periodic basis, the database entries may be transmitted to the hostsystem via one of the data radios.

[0098] In some particularly advantageous embodiments, the portable dataacquisition device 1 may also include a GPS sensor 310, as shown in FIG.23, that is configured to acquire, for example, a latitude, longitude,altitude, course, speed, universal time (UTC), and date, wherein suchdata may be acquired in National Electrical Manufacturers Association(NEMA) data format or other appropriate data format. As will beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the GPS sensor 310 acquires data,sometimes known as ephemeris data, identifying the number of satellitesin view and the relative positions of those satellites. In addition,data regarding, for example, heading and ETA can also be captured, whichenhances the determination of the position of the GPS sensor 310 andallows an area to be profiled or segmented based on the commoncharacteristics of the data.

[0099] Many uses for a GPS sensor 310 in combination with the device 1will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, the GPS sensor 310 may assist a delivery person in delivering apackage to a specified or desired location. In such an instance, GPSdata such as, for example, a latitude, a longitude, and/or and altitude,of the desired location can be loaded onto the device 1, in someinstances as NEMA formatted data. The GPS data may be loaded onto thedevice 1 at the direction of the host system 200 or in response to anidentifier for the package scanned into the device 1 where, for example,the identifier may comprise a code from the package label scanned in bythe scanner 55. When the GPS data is loaded, the device 1 is at animmediate location. The GPS sensor 310 engaged with the device 1 candetermine GPS data corresponding to the immediate location and then, viathe GPS data, may then be configured to direct the delivery person fromthe immediate location to the desired location, in some instances bydetermining a route therebetween, such that the package can be deliveredto the addressee. That is, the package can be delivered when theimmediate location of the device 1 substantially corresponds to thedesired location as determined from the GPS data for each location.Various data may also be gathered along the route such as, for example,the elapsed time between points on a route or the elapsed time for theentire route. However, if the desired location is reached by thedelivery person and the package delivered, but the GPS data of theimmediate and desired locations do not correspond, the device 1 may beconfigured so as to allow the GPS data for the desired location to bemodified or updated to the GPS data of the immediate location, whereinthe altered data may also be transmitted to the host system foruniversally updating the data for that desired location.

[0100] In a similar manner, a GPS sensor 310 associated with the device1 can identify inaccuracies or prevent mis-delivery of packages in apackage delivery system. At present, delivery drivers rely on thedestination addresses of packages in the delivery process. Thedestination address of every package on the delivery route is downloadedto the DIAD that the driver uses for his or her deliveries. A problemarises, however, when a delivery driver mistakenly delivers a package toa wrong address. While current DIAD systems provide the driver with thecorrect destination address for a package, these systems are not capableof confirming that the package was actually delivered to the correctaddress. In contrast, the GPS sensor 310 of the portable dataacquisition device 1 can indicate to a delivery driver that he or she isabout to deliver a package to an improper address. In operation, thedelivery information that is downloaded to the portable data acquisitiondevice 1 includes GPS data having the latitude, longitude and/oraltitude for each package destination address. The GPS sensor 310engaged with the device 1 can determine GPS data corresponding to theimmediate location of the device 1 and then, via the GPS data, candirect the delivery person from the immediate location to thedestination address, in some instances by determining a routetherebetween. Various data may also be gathered along the route such as,for example, the elapsed time between points on a route, the elapsedtime for the entire route, or a particular time that the device 1 is ata specific location along the route. Therefore, when a delivery driverindicates to the device 1 that the package is about to be delivered tothe destination address, the portable delivery acquisition device 1performs a check of the immediate GPS position and compares theimmediate GPS position to the GPS position associated with the packagedestination address. If the immediate GPS position does not match thepackage destination GPS position, the portable delivery acquisitiondevice 1 notifies or alerts the delivery driver of a possiblemis-delivery. In one embodiment, a possible mis-delivery notificationoccurs if the current GPS position of the driver is outsidepredetermined GPS data tolerance limits with respect to the packagedestination GPS position. In one embodiment, the tolerance limits arebased on the size of the service point created by linking deliveryaddress information to the corresponding geographic information from theGPS data. Thus, in one embodiment, the tolerance limits used arespecific to the type of territory served. However, if a mis-deliverynotification is triggered, indicating that the GPS data of the immediatelocation and destination address do not correspond within the tolerancelimits, the delivery person firsts perform a check to verify thedestination address. If the delivery person confirms that thedestination address is correct, the device 1 may be configured so as toallow the GPS data for the destination address to be modified or updatedto the GPS data of the immediate location, wherein the altered data mayalso be transmitted to the host system for universally updating the datafor that destination address.

[0101] In addition to determining the position of an immediate location,the GPS sensor 310 associated with the portable data acquisition device1 allows a delivery route to be determined or accurately mapped. Forexample, it may often be the case in rural areas that a packagedestination address is not accurately depicted on a map. Suchinaccuracies often hinder dispatch planners in their efforts to createan efficient package dispatch plan or delivery route. The device 1having the GPS sensor 310 minimizes or substantially eliminates thisproblem by providing an accurate longitude, latitude, and/or altitudefor each package delivery location or destination address. In oneembodiment, pick-up and delivery data is checked and the centraldatabase is continually updated with accurate latitude, longitude, andaltitude for a location, whenever a package is delivered or picked up.In another embodiment, the database formed by the portable dataacquisition device 1 provides information on various destinationaddresses as well as the traces thereto, wherein a trace is the streetpath or network traveled to the destination during the delivery route.This trace information contributes additional accuracy to traditionalstreet mapping in a manner that is also useful outside of parcel pickupand delivery such as, for example, in directing emergency responsepersonnel, since such data is collected in a manner that may be usefulin practically all GIS (geographic information systems). The trace datais continually validated and updated as a byproduct of the GPSfunctionality in the portable data acquisition device 1. As a result,updated and accurate geographic and traffic information is provided as aproduct of a package delivery service. As standardized addresses areadded to the trace information, routing will become more accurate thancalculations based on street path alone. For example, travel distancesalong driveways and private roads can thus be identified separately fromstreet path travel to further characterize or profile a given geographicterritory.

[0102] There may be some instances when the destination address may notentirely correspond to the actual address to which the package isdelivered. That is, packages are often mis-addressed, but often themistakes made in addressing packages occur with sufficient regularitythat a carrier can recognize the error and deliver the mis-addressedpackage to the correct destination address. For example, a packageintended for the corporate office of UPS, Inc., might be incorrectlyaddressed to “The Brown Uniform Guys”. In such instances, embodiments ofthe present invention implement a package destination address aliasdatabase, which may be resident on the host system and/or storedpartially or in total on the device 1. Some carriers may have createdalias databases for these regularly used, but inaccurate destinationaddresses. However, the GPS sensor 310, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention, facilitates automation of the collection andcreation of these destination address aliases by, for example, flaggingan incorrect address as an alias and updating the alias database with anassociated GPS position information after a single successful deliveryof a mis-addressed package. That is, the delivery person may, in someinstances, determine the actual address to which the package is beingdelivered and may enter this actual address into the device 1 orotherwise compare the actual address to the destination addressoriginally loaded to the device 1. If the actual and destinationaddresses do not correspond, the respective addresses may be enteredinto the alias database as aliases of each other, wherein such aliasesmay also be supplemented with the GPS data for the actual location.

[0103] In still other instances, the destination address and aliasesthereof may be supplemented with additional data such as, for example,census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data,theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data,preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof, which mayfacilitate positive identification of the destination address by thedriver and may also serve to apprise the driver of any specialconditions associated with the destination address. The ability to linkdelivery route information with the position information captured by theGPS sensor 310 thus allows for the creation of a data standard that isan improvement over census and zip code+4 data alone. The benefits ofthis are far greater than just preventing mis-deliveries. While one useof such data is to enhance the accuracy of customer data in the packagedelivery industry, this data has value outside the parcel delivery andpickup industry that will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art such as, for example, to direct emergency response personnelto a particular destination or location.

[0104] According to some embodiments of the present invention, some ofthe applications of the portable data acquisition device 1, for example,may be described in the context of a package delivery. When a driverdelivers a package to a consignee, the driver uses the GPS sensor 310 toobtain the GPS position information of the consignee's actual physicallocation. The driver uses the scanner 55 of the portable dataacquisition device 1 to capture the package tracking data from thepackage or packages to be delivered and retrieves the correspondingdestination address from the delivery information that was previouslydownloaded to the portable data acquisition device 1 from the centralhost system 200 via the WLAN and/or WWAN data radios 340, 330. Theconsignee GPS location information is then automatically comparedagainst the geocode (latitude/longitude) of the destination address thathad been gathered as part of the delivery information and stored in thehost system, and the driver is notified of a possible mis-delivery ifthe two positions are too far apart. Assuming a successful delivery, thedatabase on the host system may be either manually or automaticallyupdated, over a network and using the WLAN data radio 340 or WWAN dataradio 330, with the time and/or physical location of the delivery. Inthis manner, real-time package tracking information is expeditiouslymade available for dissemination on request. Further, a manifest of thepackage or packages delivered by the delivery person may, in someinstances, be downloaded directly to the consignee's personal computerand/or network via the WPAN data radio 350, or the Infrared DataAssociation (IRDA) communication port, or provided in a periodic reportto the consignee.

[0105] Further, there may be instances, when a driver is collectingpackages from a shipper, where manifest information or other deliveryinformation may be downloaded directly from the shipper's computersystem, with the appropriate authorization and/or appropriate securityprecautions and considerations, to the portable data acquisition device1 via the WPAN data radio 350 and/or the IRDA communication port 390. Ifthe shipper's location or other information has not already beenobtained, the GPS sensor 310 may be directed to capture the latitude,longitude and/or altitude of the shipper's location and then the GPSdata and the manifest information or other information may betransmitted to a database on the host system using the WLAN data radio340 or the WWAN data radio 330. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, the WPAN data radio 350 and/or the IrDA communicationport 390 may be used to obtain data from a shipper's computer withoutusing a cable and without unduly interfering with or invading theshipper's databases or other files. The WPAN data radio 350 and/or theIrDA communication port 390 and/or the software or API therefore may beconfigured to interact with the shipper's computer and databases in amanner that limits the interaction to the needed information in thedatabase. That is, the extent to which the WPAN data radio 350 and/orthe IrDA communication port 390 interacts with the shipper's computerand databases is restricted, either by the operational parameters of theWPAN data radio 350 and/or the IRDA communication port 390 or by theparameters of the appropriate communication portion the shipper'scomputer, only to the necessary data, thus preventing any excessiveinterference with or invasion into the shipper's private files ordatabases. In an era of growing privacy concerns, the use of the WPANdata radio 350 and/or the IrDA communication port 390 to obtain such alimited set of data prevents the inadvertent exposure or transmission ofprivate customer data, since only the needed shipping data is accessedand transferred to the device 1, when and if necessary. In somesituations, the information and/or files accessed by the WPAN data radio350 and/or the IrDA communication port 390 in the shipper's computer maybe tracked and the information gathered and prepared into a report,which may be periodically provided to the shipper.

[0106] In some instances, if a driver is working in an area where theGPS sensor 310 cannot operate, one or more of the wireless communicationdevices associated with the portable data acquisition device 1 may beused to determine or validate the driver's location. More particularly,each WLAN data radio 340 and/or WPAN data radio 350 typically has aunique electronic address. As such, a driver's location may be validatedby confirming that one or more of the wireless data radios in theportable data acquisition device 1 is within a predetermined range of aparticular wireless device previously accessed by the device 1 andassociated with a consignee or shipper.

[0107] According to yet another advantageous aspect of the presentinvention, the device 1 may also be configured to verify that the personreceiving the package at the destination address is the consignee or anauthorized representative thereof. In order to do so, other data may belinked with the information associated with the destination address.Such other data may comprise, for example, a list of authorizedpersonnel, as well as pictures, signatures, and/or fingerprints thereof,depending on the level of security requested by the consignee. As such,when the package is transported to the destination address, a personaccepting the package may be required to sign a signature capture windowwith the stylus 45, provide a fingerprint which may be read, forexample, through a digitizer function implemented in the display 30, orhave a picture taken by, for instance, a digital camera implemented inthe device 1. At the same time, photographs and/or correspondingsignatures of authorized personnel may be shown on the display for thedelivery person's comparison. Thus, not only can the signature,fingerprint, and/or picture be verified against the database records,but the signature may also be verified as corresponding to the person inthe picture and/or the provided fingerprint. In some instances, thedevice 1 and/or the host system may include automated identificationsystems for matching and verifying the data provided by the personreceiving the package to the authorization information contained in thedatabase. In still other instances, the data collected from the personaccepting the package may also be transmitted to the host system andprovided upon request, for example, if the consignee wishes to verifythe identity of the person receiving the package, or periodically as areport to the consignee.

[0108] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a portabledata acquisition device 1 incorporating a GPS sensor 310 may beconfigured to communicate with one or more data sensors on, for example,a delivery vehicle, a building, or about the carrier hub. Accordingly, asystem for automating the collection of data for time study and workmeasurement statistics is provided. More particularly, carriers go togreat expense to gather data on package delivery tasks in an effort tomake the delivery process more efficient. At present, the process ofdata gathering is typically performed manually and involves a personwith a stopwatch and a clipboard physically traveling alongside deliverydrivers, taking meticulous notes of the driver's actions for each stopin the delivery route. In one embodiment of the present invention, theGPS sensor 310 in the portable data acquisition device 1 automates theprocess, wherein the GPS sensor 310 provides GPS location informationfor the delivery driver on any given date and at any given time in thedelivery route. As previously discussed, the gathered data for timestudy and work measurement statistics may be transmitted at any time tothe host system 200 via one of the data radios 330, 340, 350.

[0109] In some instances, sensors may be installed on or about thedelivery vehicle, such as on the engine, doors, and other electricalcomponents of the vehicle so as to allow the portable data acquisitiondevice 1 to gather additional package delivery details. In a preferredembodiment, the sensors communicate with the device 1 and provide datasuch as, for example, when during the route the vehicle was stopped andstarted, travel information such as speed and heading, the amount oftime the driver was away from the vehicle, and other information such aswhether or when the doors of the vehicle were opened and closed. Thissensor information, coupled with the GPS location information, allowsthe carrier to accurately gather data about a driver's movement andactions during all of the tasks performed on a delivery route. Inaddition, for example, a delivery vehicle door sensor in combinationwith a GPS sensor 310 can also prevent the theft of packages bynotifying the delivery driver or the carrier whenever the driver leavesthe delivery vehicle area and the vehicle door is ajar or unlocked. Insome instances, the vehicle may be equipped with a control system (notshown) to receive and respond to a remote electronic instruction fromthe device 1 or the host system so as to, for example, close and lockthe doors, or the controller may be configured to determine and providea response to the carrier in response to a query about the status of thevehicle. In other instances, additional sensors may also be, forexample, disposed on or about certain buildings or premises or about thecarrier's hub, so as to provide further data for time study and workmeasurement statistics.

[0110] Since the portable electronic device 1 generally operates onbattery power and may be prone to damage from being accidentallydropped, one particularly advantageous embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a data extraction tool (not shown), operating on aseparate computing device, for selectively locating and extracting datafrom the memory of the device 1 in the event of power loss, operatingsystem failure, or other problems that may prevent the data storedwithin the device 1 from being accessed. Thus, the data extraction tool,which may have portions included in the device 1, is intended to befunctional when the operating system 320 and/or processor 300 of thedevice 1 is not operating or, in some instances, when the device 1 hasno power. More particularly, the data extraction tool according toembodiments of the present invention is capable of locating data storedwithin the Flash Memory 380 or in the NVRAM 370 without using theelectronic address of that data originally assigned by the operatingsystem 320. In one embodiment, the data extraction tool is configured touse either the WLAN data radio 340 or the Infrared Data Association(IrDA) communication port 390 through which to access, retrieve, andtransfer the data, as shown in FIG. 23. In one particular embodiment,the user may choose either the WLAN data radio 340 or IRDA communicationport 390 through which to access the data when using the data extractiontool. In another aspect, the data extraction tool includes anapplication program interface (API), operating on a separate computingdevice, configured to automatically select either the WLAN data radio340 or IrDA communication port 390 through which to access the data andto control and monitor access to the memory modules using theapplication software.

[0111] More particularly, for example, in the event of an operatingsystem crash, the extraction application may be used to recover the datastored in the memory of the disabled device 1. The extractionapplication typically resides on a separate and discrete computer orother processing device and may be configured to communicate with thedisabled device 1 via the IRDA communication port 390. In oneembodiment, the extraction application operates on a second functioningdevice 1. Alternatively, the extraction application may run on a laptopcomputer or other portable computing device since, in some instances,contact with the IrDA communication port 390 may be more readilymaintained during the data recovery process. As a first step in theextraction process, the extraction application communicates with themotherboard of the disabled device 1 to receive confirmation from themotherboard that the unit is in a failed or monitor state. Once thefailure is confirmed, the extraction application sends a series ofcommands to communicate with the motherboard of the failed device 1. Thesyntax of the commands is particular to the motherboard used in thedevice 1, not unlike, for example, the BIOS of a personal computermotherboard. Using these commands, the extraction application instructsthe motherboard to retrieve and transmit data from the memory of thedisabled device 1 to the device on which the extraction application isbeing run or to a separate designated device. The retrieval commands mayvary depending on the situation. For example, a user may retrieve all ofthe data between two memory addresses, or may retrieve certain amount ofmemory that follows a starting memory address. In still another example,the extraction application may be configured to capture all of the datastored in the memory of the disabled device 1. Typically, the dataretrieved from the disabled device 1 is stored in the memory of thecomputer or other processing device running the extraction application.In some instances, if the extraction application is operating on aseparate second functioning device 1, then the data becomes available tothe user just as if the data had originally been collected and stored onthe functioning device 1. Alternatively, the extraction application mayallow a user to access, print, view, transfer or otherwise manipulatethe recovered data as needed.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable dataacquisition device 1 includes the casing 10, as well as a WWAN dataradio 330, a WLAN data radio 340, and a WPAN data radio 350. Further,the device includes any or all of a processor 300, a real-time clock, aFlash memory module 380, a DRAM memory module 360, a NVRAM memory module370, a keypad 20, a display 30, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, ascanner 55, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, areceiver, a transmitter, a sensor, a switch 40, a speaker, an indicator,a microphone, an alert device, an acoustic modem and dialer, a cellulartelephone, a hard copy printing device, a stylus 45, a battery chargingindicator, a battery 400, a battery interface, a battery charger 420, abattery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator,a power management processor, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)communication port 390, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor 310, aWindows™ CE operating system 320, a diagnostic system, an applicationsoftware loader, a systems software loader, a database, a databasemanager, and at least one application program interface (API) to controland monitor the various components of the device 1, operably engagedwith the casing 10 and configured to provide any or all of thefunctionality of such a device 1 as described herein.

[0113] Even though the device 1 as described herein has many functionaladvantages, it may still be inconvenient for the user to carry thedevice 1 in hand on a regular basis. Accordingly, particularlyadvantageous embodiments of the present invention comprise a holder 100or holder assembly, as shown in FIGS. 14-19, configured to be removablyengaged with the device 1, as shown in FIGS. 10-12. Though the device 1is described herein as including a pin 50 extending along an end of thedevice 1 and a pair of shoulders 60 integral with the device 1 andpositioned adjacent to the pin 50 so as to provide support therefor, itwill be understood and readily appreciated by one skilled in the artthat these components may be integral with the device 1 or providedseparately from the device 1 and secured thereto in many differentmanners such as, for example, with fasteners or adhesive. In oneembodiment, the pin 50 generally provides the main point of attachmentto the holder 100.

[0114] In one embodiment, the holder 100 comprises a generally elongatearm 110 having a first end 111 adapted to be attached to the user. Forexample, the first end 111 may be configured to be attached about abelt, to a belt loop, or to a pocket of the user's uniform. The arm 110extends to a second end having an integral or fixedly-attached hook 112extending therefrom, wherein the hook includes a tine 112 a and definesa span 112 b between the tine 112 a and the arm 110. The second end ofthe arm 110 also includes a pair of rails 114 extending along the arm110. A gate 120 is rotatably attached to the rails 114 at a hinged end124 of the gate 120, wherein the gate 120 has a free end 120 a thatextends across the span 112 b to the tine 112 a of the hook 112. Thegate 120 is biased by a biasing device (not shown), such as a spring orelastic band, engaged between the gate 120 and the rails 114 and/or thearm 110, such that the free end 120 a of the gate 120 is normally urgedagainst the tine 112 a. In this manner, the span 112 b is enclosed bythe tine 112 a, the arm 110, and the gate 120 and, in one embodiment, isconfigured to receive, retain, and secure the pin 50 therein.

[0115] The shoulders 60 are spaced apart to define a channel 70therebetween, wherein the shoulders 60 are secured to or extend from oneend of the device 1. The pin 50 is secured between the shoulders 60 soas to span the channel 70. According to one embodiment of the presentinvention, when engaging the pin 50 with the hook 112, the channel 70 isbrought into engagement with the rails 114. The device 1 is thendirected toward the hook 112, with the device 1 directed downwardly,such that the casing 10, the pin 50, and/or the shoulders 60 engage thegate 120. The gate 120 is then urged toward the arm 110 against thebiasing of the biasing device such that the free end 120 a is separatedfrom the tine 112 a. Once the free end 120 a is separated from the tine112 a, the pin 50 is capable of entering the span 112 b of the hook 112.Further, as the pin 50 enters the span 112 b, the casing 10 and/or theshoulders 60 are configured to disengage the gate 120 so as to allow thebiasing device to urge the free end 120 a back against the tine 112 aand secure the pin 50 within the span 112 b. Preferably the process ofengaging the device 1 with the holder 100 can be performed by the userby using just one hand. Once the pin 50 is secured within the span 112b, the device 1 may be rotated about the pin 50 to certain extent. Forexample, where the shoulders 60 and pin 50 are engaged with an end ofthe device 1 about the lower end of the keypad 20, the device 1 may beconfigured to be engaged with the holder 100 such that the keypad 20 anddisplay 30 are facing away from the user when the holder 100 is attachedto, for example, the user's belt. Accordingly, the device 1 may berotated about the pin 50 so as to extend, for instance, at an angle ofabout 90 degrees (though this angle may vary considerably depending onthe requirements of a particular situation) with respect to the userand, in this manner, the device 1 may be operated by the user withoutbeing disengaged from the holder 100.

[0116] In order to disengage the device 1 from the holder 100, as shownin FIGS. 13A-13D, the device 1 is rotated about the pin 50, over thetine 112 a and toward the first end 111 of the holder 100. After thedevice 1 is rotated to a certain extent such as, for example, to anangle of about 90 degrees with respect to the user, the shoulders 60 arebrought into engagement with the gate 120 and begin to urge the gate 120back toward the arm 110 against the biasing of the biasing device, thegate 120 rotating about the engagement with the rails 114. The gate 120is further configured such that, though the free end 120 a may beseparated from the tine 112 a, the pin 50 cannot be removed from thespan 112 b until a certain separation is reached. As such, as the device1 is further rotated about the pin 50, the shoulders 60 continue to urgethe gate 120 toward the arm 110 until a sufficient separation point isattained between the free end 120 a and the tine 112 a is attained andthe device 1 can be lifted such that the pin 50 exits the span 112 bwhile the shoulders 60 maintain the gate 120 toward the arm 110.Preferably, the rotation of the device 1 and separation of the device 1from the holder 100 is also accomplished using just one hand of theuser. At the separation point where the device 1 can be removed from thespan 112 b, the device 1 is preferably in a position to be securely andnaturally grasped by the user. In one instance, the device 1 mayapproach a vertical orientation before being removable from the holder100.

[0117] According to another advantageous aspect of the presentinvention, the engagement and disengagement of the device 1 with respectto the holder 100 can be accomplished without requiring any significantvisual attention by the user. That is, the device 1 and/or the holder100 may be configured to provide an auditory alert and/or a tactile cueto the user about the status of the device 1 with respect to the holder100. For example, when the user intends to place the device 1 into theholder 100, the channel 70 may be slid along the arm 110 until the rails114 begin to engage the channel 70. The channel 70 and the rails 114 maybe configured to provide some indication of a positive engagementtherebetween and that the device 1 is properly aligned with the holder100 for the pin 50 to be inserted into the span 112 b of the hook 112.For example, the rails 114 may be sufficiently spaced to form a slidingfit with the channel 70 when engaged therewith. In other instances, thechannel 70 may be provided with opposing slots (not shown) and the rails114 provided with protruding tabs (not shown) configured to engage theslots when the channel 70 is engaged with the rails 114. In this manner,proper alignment of the device 1 with the holder 110 is indicated by atactile cue instead of requiring the constant visual attention of theuser.

[0118] Further, as the device 1 is directed along the rails 114, theshoulders 60 and/or the casing 10 begin to urge the gate 120 to rotateback against the arm 110 against the biasing device so as to allow thepin 50 to enter the span 112 b of the hook 112. Once the pin 50 entersthe span 112 b, the shoulders 60 and/or the casing 10 are configured todisengage the gate 120 such that the free end 120 a is caused by thebiasing device to rotate outwardly to impact the tine 112 a. The impactmay cause, for example, a click, that would provide the user withpositive auditory feedback and/or tactile cue that the device 1 is fullyand securely engaged with the holder 100. In other instances, the holder100 and/or the device 1 may be provided with a sensor (not shown)configured to sense when the pin 50 has entered the span 112 b and issecured therein by the free end 120 a engaging the tine 112 a. Uponsensing the fully engaged condition, the sensor may be furtherconfigured to direct an alert device (not shown), also engaged with theholder 100 and/or the device 1, to provide an auditory alert and/or atactile cue to the user such as, for example, a beep alarm and avibration of the holder 100 and/or the device 1. In such instances, theuser is provided with positive assurance that the device 1 is firmlysecured to the holder 100.

[0119] In other instances, the gate 120 biased by the biasing device mayalso provide a positive tactile cue to the user about the engagementstatus between the device 1 and the holder 100. That is, as the device 1is being inserted into the holder 100, the gate 120 must be displacedagainst the biasing of the biasing device. Accordingly, the force of thebiasing device is translated through the gate 120 and through the device1 to the hand of the user, wherein the resistance encountered by theuser inserting the device 1 into the holder 100 would provide a tactilecue that the device 1 is not yet firmly secured to the holder 100.Further, as previously discussed, the device 1, still secured to theholder 100, can be rotated about the pin 50 and over the tine 112 a to acertain extent without causing the device 1 to disengage from the holder100. However, if the device 1 is rotated too far, the shoulders 60and/or the casing 10 begin to urge the gate 120 to rotate back towardthe arm 110, thereby beginning the disengagement process. Again, theforce of the biasing device against the gate 120 is translated throughthe gate 120 and through the device 1 to the hand of the user, therebyproviding a tactile cue to the user that further rotation of the device1 will lead to disengagement of the device 1 from the holder 100.Accordingly, the prevention of both incomplete engagement and accidentaldisengagement of the device 1 with respect to the holder 100 isaddressed.

[0120] The application program interfaces (API's) or other software ofthe present invention, each of which comprises an ordered listing ofselectable services, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium foruse by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus,or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system,or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymeans that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport theprogram for use by or in connection with the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, forexample but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device,or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) ofthe computer-readable medium would include the following: an electricalconnection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), aread-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory) (magnetic), an optical fiber (optical),and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Notethat the computer-readable medium could even be paper or anothersuitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can beelectronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paperor other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in asuitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0121] Further, any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts shouldbe understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of codewhich include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the preferredembodiments of the present invention in which functions may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present invention.

[0122] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments ofthe present invention, particularly any “preferred embodiments” aremerely possible examples of the implementations, merely set forth for aclear understanding of the principles of the invention. Any variationsand modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of theinvention and to the associated drawings without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit of the principles of the invention. For example,although many of the embodiments disclosed herein are described in termsof their usefulness in the field of portable electronic devices, it isrecognized that many of these embodiments may have applicability anduses in other fields. Further, one skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that the device 1 as described herein may include manydifferent combinations of any or all of the various disclosed aspects ofthe present invention. In addition, it will be understood that any ofthe devices or systems described herein may also have a correspondingmethod, while any of the described methods may also have a correspondingdevice or system. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the disclosure and presentinvention and protected by the following claims. In concluding thedetailed description, it should be noted that it will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art that many variations andmodifications can be made to the preferred embodiment withoutsubstantially departing from the principles of the present invention.Also, such variations and modifications are intended to be includedherein within the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. Further, in the claims hereafter, the structures,materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step-plus functionelements are intended to include any structure, materials or acts forperforming their cited functions. In addition, although specific termsare employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A system for manipulating data, said systemcomprising: a host system; a portable data acquisition device forcollecting the data, the portable data acquisition device being discretewith respect to the host system; at least one of a wireless wide areanetwork (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) dataradio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operablyengaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to atleast one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with aperipheral device, and receive data; and a memory operably engaged withthe portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memorycomprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAMmemory module.
 2. A system according to claim 1 further comprising atleast one data input device operably engaged with the portable dataacquisition device for receiving the data, the at least one data inputdevice being selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touchscreen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, avideo capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.
 3. A systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialeroperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device andconfigured to be capable of transmitting the data to the host system. 4.A system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one of adisplay, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing deviceoperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and adaptedto provide system information to a user.
 5. A system according to claim1 further comprising a processor operably engaged with the portable dataacquisition device for processing the data.
 6. A system according toclaim 5 further comprising an operating system cooperating with theprocessor to process the data.
 7. A system according to claim 1 furthercomprising a power management system operably engaged with the portabledata acquisition device, the power management system including a batteryand at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a batterycharging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, anda power management processor.
 8. A system according to claim 1 furthercomprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication portoperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for datainput/output.
 9. A system according to claim 1 further comprising atleast one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, asystems software loader, and at least one application program interfaceoperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device forfacilitating the operation of the system.
 10. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensoroperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device fordetermining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and atime.
 11. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a real-timeclock operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device forfacilitating system timing.
 12. A system according to claim 1 furthercomprising a rotary switch operably engaged with the portable dataacquisition device for function control.
 13. A system according to claim1 wherein the portable data acquisition device is housed in animpact-resistant casing.
 14. A portable data acquisition device formanipulating data, said device comprising: at least one data inputdevice for receiving data; a WWAN data radio adapted to transmit thedata to a discrete, remotely located mainframe data repository; and amemory for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memorymodule, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.
 15. A deviceaccording to claim 14 wherein the at least one data input device isselected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, agraphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a videocapturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.
 16. A deviceaccording to claim 14 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialerconfigured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to themainframe data repository.
 17. A device according to claim 14 furthercomprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and ahard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user. 18.A device according to claim 14 further comprising a processor forprocessing the data.
 19. A device according to claim 18 furthercomprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to processthe data.
 20. A device according to claim 14 further comprising a powermanagement system operably engaged therewith, the power managementsystem including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, abattery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator,a battery interface, and a power management processor.
 21. A deviceaccording to claim 14 further comprising an Infrared Data Association(IrDA) communication port for data input/output.
 22. A device accordingto claim 14 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, anapplication software loader, a systems software loader, and at least oneapplication program interface for facilitating device operation.
 23. Adevice according to claim 14 further comprising a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, alongitude, an altitude, and a time.
 24. A device according to claim 14further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing. 25.A device according to claim 14 further comprising a rotary switch fordevice function control.
 26. A device according to claim 14 wherein theWWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to themainframe data repository via a voice/data network.
 27. A deviceaccording to claim 26 wherein the voice/data network in configured toutilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particularnetwork frequency by which to transmit the data.
 28. A portable dataacquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising: atleast one data input device for receiving data; a memory for storing thedata; and a WWAN data radio and a WLAN data radio, each data radio beingadapted at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely locatedmainframe data repository and receive data.
 29. A device according toclaim 28 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of aFLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, andcombinations thereof.
 30. A device according to claim 28 wherein the atleast one data input device is selected from the group consisting of akeypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audiocapturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinationsthereof.
 31. A device according to claim 28 further comprising anacoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting thestored data to the mainframe data repository.
 32. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, anindicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provideinformation to a user.
 33. A device according to claim 28 furthercomprising a processor for processing the data.
 34. A device accordingto claim 33 further comprising an operating system cooperating with theprocessor to process the data.
 35. A device according to claim 28further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith,the power management system including a battery and at least one of abattery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, abattery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power managementprocessor.
 36. A device according to claim 28 further comprising anInfrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for datainput/output.
 37. A device according to claim 28 further comprising atleast one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, asystems software loader, and at least one application program interfacefor facilitating device operation.
 38. A device according to claim 28further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor fordetermining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and atime.
 39. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a real-timeclock for facilitating device timing.
 40. A device according to claim 28further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.
 41. Adevice according to claim 33 wherein the processor is configured toautomatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio andthe WLAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframedata repository.
 42. A device according to claim 28 further comprising asystem for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWANdata radio and the WLAN data radio for transmitting the stored data tothe mainframe data repository.
 43. A device according to claim 28wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data tothe mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.
 44. A deviceaccording to claim 28 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured totransmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a digitalcellular telephone network.
 45. A device according to claim 43 whereinthe voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of aparticular network protocol and a particular network frequency by whichto transmit the data.
 46. A device according to claim 28 wherein theWLAN data radio is configured to communicate the stored data with alocal-area system.
 47. A device according to claim 46 wherein thelocal-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, afacility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.
 48. A deviceaccording to claim 46 wherein the WLAN data radio further comprises areceiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from thelocal-area system when the portable data acquisition device is inproximity to the local-area system.
 49. A device according to claim 48wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WLAN dataradio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframedata repository and communicate data with the local-area system.
 50. Aportable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said devicecomprising: at least one data input device for receiving data; a memoryfor storing the data; and a WWAN data radio and a WPAN data radio, eachdata radio being adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data toa remotely located mainframe data repository and communicate with aperipheral device.
 51. A device according to claim 50 wherein the memoryis selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAMmemory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.
 52. Adevice according to claim 50 wherein the at least one data input deviceis selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, agraphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a videocapturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.
 53. A deviceaccording to claim 50 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialerconfigured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to themainframe data repository.
 54. A device according to claim 50 furthercomprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and ahard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user. 55.A device according to claim 50 further comprising a processor forprocessing the data.
 56. A device according to claim 55 furthercomprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to processthe data.
 57. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a powermanagement system operably engaged therewith, the power managementsystem including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, abattery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator,a battery interface, and a power management processor.
 58. A deviceaccording to claim 50 further comprising an Infrared Data Association(IrDA) communication port for data input/output.
 59. A device accordingto claim 50 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, anapplication software loader, a systems software loader, and at least oneapplication program interface for facilitating device operation.
 60. Adevice according to claim 50 further comprising a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, alongitude, an altitude, and a time.
 61. A device according to claim 50further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing. 62.A device according to claim 50 further comprising a rotary switch fordevice function control.
 63. A device according to claim 55 wherein theprocessor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one ofthe WWAN data radio and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the storeddata to the mainframe data repository.
 64. A device according to claim50 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of anappropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WPAN data radio fortransmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.
 65. Adevice according to claim 50 wherein the WWAN data radio is configuredto transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via avoice/data network.
 66. A device according to claim 65 wherein thevoice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particularnetwork protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmitthe data.
 67. A device according to claim 50 wherein the WPAN data radiois configured to communicate with a peripheral device.
 68. A deviceaccording to claim 67 wherein the peripheral device comprises at leastone of a carrier industry device, a cellular phone, a satellitetransceiver, and combinations thereof.
 69. A device according to claim68 wherein the carrier industry device comprises at least one of acarrier computer system, a consignee computer system, a printer, a lockbox, an admonishment device, a door lock, and combinations thereof. 70.A device according to claim 67 wherein the WPAN data radio furthercomprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signalfrom the peripheral device when the portable data acquisition device isin proximity to the local-area system.
 71. A device according to claim70 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WPAN dataradio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframedata repository and communicate data with the peripheral device.
 72. Aportable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said devicecomprising: at least one data input device for receiving data; a memoryfor storing the data; and a WWAN data radio, a WLAN data radio, and aWPAN data radio, each data radio being adapted to at least one oftransmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe datarepository, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data. 73.A device according to claim 72 wherein the memory is selected from thegroup consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, anNVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.
 74. A device accordingto claim 72 wherein the at least one data input device is selected fromthe group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, ascanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch,and combinations thereof.
 75. A device according to claim 72 furthercomprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable oftransmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.
 76. Adevice according to claim 72 further comprising at least one of adisplay, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing deviceadapted to provide information to a user.
 77. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a processor for processing the data.
 78. Adevice according to claim 77 further comprising an operating systemcooperating with the processor to process the data.
 79. A deviceaccording to claim 72 further comprising a power management systemoperably engaged therewith, the power management system including abattery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, abattery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a batteryinterface, and a power management processor.
 80. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)communication port for data input/output.
 81. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, anapplication software loader, a systems software loader, and at least oneapplication program interface for facilitating device operation.
 82. Adevice according to claim 72 further comprising a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, alongitude, an altitude, and a time.
 83. A device according to claim 72further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing. 84.A device according to claim 72 further comprising a rotary switch fordevice function control.
 85. A device according to claim 77 wherein theprocessor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one ofthe WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio fortransmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.
 86. Adevice according to claim 72 further comprising a system for allowingmanual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio, the WLANdata radio, and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data tothe mainframe data repository.
 87. A device according to claim 72wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data tothe mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.
 88. A deviceaccording to claim 87 wherein the voice/data network in configured toutilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particularnetwork frequency by which to transmit the data.
 89. A device accordingto claim 72 wherein the WLAN data radio is configured to communicatewith a local-area system.
 90. A device according to claim 89 wherein thelocal-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, afacility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.
 91. A deviceaccording to claim 89 wherein the WLAN data radio further comprises areceiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from thelocal-area system when the portable data acquisition device is inproximity to the local-area system.
 92. A device according to claim 91wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WLAN dataradio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframedata repository and communicate data with the local-area system.
 93. Adevice according to claim 72 wherein the WPAN data radio is configuredto communicate with a peripheral device.
 94. A device according to claim93 wherein the peripheral device comprises at least one of a carrierindustry device, a cellular phone, a satellite transceiver, andcombinations thereof.
 95. A device according to claim 94 wherein thecarrier industry device comprises at least one of a carrier computersystem, a consignee computer system, a printer, a lock box, anadmonishment device, a door lock, and combinations thereof.
 96. A deviceaccording to claim 93 wherein the WPAN data radio further comprises areceiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from theperipheral device when the portable data acquisition device is inproximity to the local-area system.
 97. A device according to claim 96wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WPAN dataradio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframedata repository and communicate data with the peripheral device.
 98. Adata collection and transmission method, comprising: collecting andstoring information on a portable data acquisition device, the portabledata acquisition device including a WPAN data radio; transmitting theinformation from the portable data acquisition device to an intermediatetransmission device via the WPAN data radio, the intermediatetransmission device being connected to a wide area network; andtransmitting the information from the intermediate transmission deviceto a host system via the wide area network.
 99. A method according toclaim 98 wherein the intermediate transmission device is selected fromthe group consisting of a cellular phone and a satellite transceiver.100. A data collection and transmission method, comprising: collectingand storing data on a portable data acquisition device, the portabledata acquisition device including a WPAN data radio; transmitting thedata from the portable data acquisition device to a cellular phone viathe WPAN data radio, the cellular phone being connected to a cellularnetwork; and transmitting the data from the cellular phone to a hostsystem via the cellular network.
 101. A data collection and transmissionmethod, comprising: collecting and storing data on a portable dataacquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including aWPAN data radio; transmitting the data from the portable dataacquisition device to a satellite transceiver via the WPAN data radio,wherein the satellite transceiver is connected to a satellite wide areanetwork; and transmitting the data from the satellite transceiver to ahost system via the satellite wide area network.
 102. A data collectionand transmission system, comprising: a portable data acquisition devicefor collecting and storing data, the portable data acquisition deviceincluding at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLANcommunication port, and a WPAN communication port; at least oneperipheral device including a WLAN communication port for receiving atleast one communication from the portable data acquisition device andfor performing an operation in response thereto; and a central storagesystem capable of communicating with the portable data acquisitiondevice via the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLANcommunication port, and the WPAN communication port, the central storagesystem being configured to receive the collected and stored data fromthe portable data acquisition device and to form and maintain a databaseof the collected and stored data.
 103. A system according to claim 102wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured totransmit at least one communication to the portable data acquisitiondevice.
 104. A system according to claim 102 wherein the at least oneperipheral device is further configured to be capable of communicatingwith the central storage system.
 105. A system according to claim 102further comprising a local-area system comprising the at least oneperipheral device.
 106. A system according to claim 105 wherein thelocal-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, afacility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.
 107. Asystem according to claim 1 OS wherein the portable data acquisitiondevice further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive anactuation signal from the local-area system when the portable dataacquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.
 108. Asystem according to claim 107 wherein the actuation signal is configuredto actuate at least one of communication of the collected and storeddata with the central storage system and communication with thelocal-area system.
 109. A system according to claim 102 wherein theportable data acquisition device is configured to automaticallydetermine an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLANcommunication port, and the WPAN communication port for transmitting thestored data to the central storage system.
 110. A system according toclaim 102 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured toallow manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN communicationport, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port fortransmitting the stored data to the central storage system.
 111. A datacollection and transmission system, comprising: a portable dataacquisition device for collecting and storing data; a transceiver deviceoperably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and includingat least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port,and a WPAN communication port; at least one peripheral device includinga WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication fromthe portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation inresponse thereto; and a central storage system capable of communicatingwith the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device andthe at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communicationport, and the WPAN communication port, the central storage system beingconfigured to receive the collected and stored data from the portabledata acquisition device via the transceiver device and to form andmaintain a database of the collected and stored data.
 112. A systemaccording to claim 111 wherein the at least one peripheral device isfurther configured to transmit at least one communication to theportable data acquisition device via the transceiver device.
 113. Asystem according to claim 111 wherein the at least one peripheral deviceis further configured to be capable of communicating with the centralstorage system.
 114. A system according to claim 111 further comprisinga local-area system comprising the at least one peripheral device. 115.A system according to claim 114 wherein the local-area system isdisposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, aboundary, and combinations thereof.
 116. A system according to claim 114wherein the transceiver device is configured to receive an actuationsignal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisitiondevice is in proximity to the local-area system.
 117. A system accordingto claim 116 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate atleast one of communication of the collected and stored data with thecentral storage system and communication with the local-area system.118. A system according to claim 111 wherein the portable dataacquisition device is configured to automatically determine anappropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communicationport, and the WPAN communication port for the transceiver device to usefor transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.
 119. Asystem according to claim 111 wherein the portable data acquisitiondevice is configured to allow manual selection of an appropriate one ofthe WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPANcommunication port for the transceiver device to use for transmittingthe stored data to the central storage system.
 120. A method ofdelivering an item from an original location to a desired location,comprising: loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and analtitude associated with the desired location into a data acquisitiondevice having an immediate location; and delivering the item when theimmediate location corresponds to the desired location.
 121. A methodaccording to claim 120 further comprising determining a GPS position ofthe immediate location with a GPS sensor, the GPS position comprising atleast one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of theimmediate location.
 122. A method according to claim 120 whereindelivering the item further comprises delivering the item when the atleast one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of thedesired location substantially corresponds to the corresponding at leastone of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediatelocation.
 123. A method according to claim 122 wherein loading at leastone of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with thedesired location into a data acquisition device further comprisesloading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitudeassociated with the desired location, as National ElectricalManufacturer's Association (NEMA) formatted data, into the dataacquisition device.
 124. A method according to claim 120 furthercomprising verifying that the immediate location corresponds to thedesired location and, if the respective at least ones of the latitude,the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location and thedesired location do not substantially correspond, modifying the at leastone of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the desiredlocation to the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and thealtitude of the immediate location.
 125. A method according to claim 120further comprising tracking a route between the original location andthe desired location as the item is delivered to the desired location.126. A method according to claim 125 further comprising measuring atleast one time along the route between the original location and thedesired location.
 127. A method of identifying an inaccuracy in adelivery of an item, said method comprising: directing a destinationaddress of the item and a destination GPS position associated with thedestination address to a data acquisition device, the data acquisitiondevice including a GPS sensor; transporting the item to a locationaccording to the destination address; determining an actual GPS positionof the location; comparing the actual GPS position of the location tothe destination GPS position associated with the destination address;and providing an alert for the inaccuracy in the delivery if thecomparison exceeds a selected threshold.
 128. A method according toclaim 127 wherein directing a destination address of the item and adestination GPS position associated with the destination address to adata acquisition device further comprises directing a destinationaddress of the item and a destination GPS position associated with thedestination address, as National Electrical Manufacturer's Association(NEMA) formatted data, to a data acquisition device.
 129. A methodaccording to claim 127 further comprising verifying that the locationcorresponds to the destination address and, if the actual GPS positionof the location does not substantially correspond to the destination GPSposition associated with the destination address, modifying thedestination GPS position associated with the destination address to theactual GPS position of the location.
 130. A method according to claim127 further comprising determining an actual address of the location ifthe actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the destinationGPS position associated with the destination address.
 131. A methodaccording to claim 130 further comprising saving the actual address asan alias of the destination address if the actual address does notcorrespond to the destination address.
 132. A method according to claim130 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of theactual address if the destination address does not correspond to theactual address.
 133. A method according to claim 127 further comprisinglinking supplemental data to the destination address, the supplementaldata being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data,maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenancedata, and combinations thereof.
 134. A data acquisition device,comprising: a GPS sensor configured to determine a GPS position of alocation, comprising at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and analtitude of the location; and a processor configured to receive NEMAformatted data for a destination address, the NEMA formatted data havingat least one of a latitude, a longitude and an altitude associated withthe destination address, the processor being further configured tocompare the GPS position of the location to the NEMA formatted dataassociated with the destination address, and to provide an alert if thecomparison exceeds a selected threshold.
 135. A device according toclaim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to be capable ofverifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and,if the GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond tothe NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address,modifying the NEMA formatted data associated with the destinationaddress to the GPS position of the location.
 136. A device according toclaim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to receive anactual address of the location if the actual GPS position of thelocation corresponds to the NEMA formatted data associated with thedestination address.
 137. A device according to claim 136 wherein theprocessor is further configured to direct that the actual address besaved as an alias of the destination address if the actual address doesnot correspond to the destination address.
 138. A device according toclaim 136 wherein the processor is further configured to direct that thedestination address be saved as an alias of the actual address if thedestination address does not correspond to the actual address.
 139. Adevice according to claim 134 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to cooperate with the GPS sensor to track a route between anoriginal address and the destination address.
 140. A device according toclaim 139 wherein the processor is further configured to determine atleast one time along the route between the original address and thedestination address.
 141. A device according to claim 134 wherein theGPS sensor is further configured to determine a time.
 142. A deviceaccording to claim 141 wherein the NEMA formatted data for thedestination address further comprises a route between an originaladdress and the destination address.
 143. A device according to claim142 wherein the processor is further configured to determine a GPSposition of an instant location along the route and to determine thetime of the GPS position determination for the instant location.
 144. Adevice according to claim 138 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to link supplemental data to the destination address, thesupplemental data being selected from the group consisting of censusdata, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theftdata, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preferencedata, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.
 145. A system forcollecting delivery data, the delivery data including at least one oftime study statistics and work measurement statistics, associated with adriver of a delivery vehicle for a carrier, said system comprising: adata acquisition device including a GPS sensor configured to determineGPS data; at least one sensor operably engaged with the delivery vehicleand configured to determine particular data; and an application residingon the data acquisition device, the application being configured toselectively direct, in real time, reception and recordation of the GPSdata from the GPS sensor and reception and recordation of the particulardata from the at least one sensor.
 146. A system according to claim 145wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense the dataacquisition device being within a proximity to at least one of thedelivery vehicle and a selected location.
 147. A system according toclaim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine atime at which the data acquisition device is within a proximity to atleast one of the delivery vehicle, a selected location, and the at leastone sensor.
 148. A system according to claim 145 wherein the at leastone sensor is configured to determine a condition of the deliveryvehicle.
 149. A system according to claim 145 wherein the application isfurther configured to direct at least one of the GPS data and theparticular data to the carrier.
 150. A system according to claim 149further comprising a controller operably engaged with the deliveryvehicle, the controller being configured to at least one of receive aninstruction from the carrier and perform an operation in responsethereto and receive a query from the carrier and determine and provide areply thereto.
 151. A method of delivering an item from an originaladdress to a destination address, comprising: directing deliveryinformation associated with the item to a data acquisition device, thedata acquisition device including a GPS sensor, the delivery informationincluding the destination address of the item and a GPS positionassociated with the destination address and provided by the GPS sensor;transporting the item to a location; capturing, from the item, anidentifier associated with the item; determining, from the identifier,the delivery information associated with the item; determining an actualGPS position of the location; comparing the GPS position associated withthe destination address to the actual GPS position of the location so asto determine a position differential; and providing an alert if theposition differential exceeds a threshold.
 152. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising delivering the item to the location if theposition differential does not exceed the threshold.
 153. A methodaccording to claim 151 wherein capturing an identifier further comprisesscanning a label on the item with the data acquisition device.
 154. Amethod according to claim 151 further comprising verifying that thelocation corresponds to the destination address and, if the actual GPSposition of the location does not substantially correspond to the GPSposition associated with the destination address, modifying the GPSposition associated with the destination address to the actual GPSposition of the location.
 155. A method according to claim 152 furthercomprising determining an actual address of the location if the actualGPS position of the location corresponds to the GPS position associatedwith the destination address.
 156. A method according to claim 155further comprising saving the actual address as an alias of thedestination address if the actual address does not correspond to thedestination address.
 157. A method according to claim 155 furthercomprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actualaddress if the destination address does not correspond to the actualaddress.
 158. A method according to claim 151 further comprisingtracking, with the GPS sensor, a route between the original address andthe destination address.
 159. A method according to claim 158 furthercomprising determining at least one time along the route between theoriginal address and the destination address.
 160. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising determining a time with the GPS sensor.161. A method according to claim 160 wherein directing the deliveryinformation further comprises directing the delivery information,including a route between an original address and the destinationaddress, to the data acquisition device.
 162. A method according toclaim 161 further comprising determining a GPS position of an instantlocation along the route and determining the time of the GPS positiondetermination of the instant location.
 163. A method according to claim151 further comprising linking supplemental data to the deliveryinformation, the supplemental data being selected from the groupconsisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data,accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, specialrequest data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinationsthereof.
 164. A method of delivering an item sent by a sender from anoriginal address to a receiver at a destination address, said methodcomprising: directing delivery information associated with the item froma server to a portable data acquisition device, the portable dataacquisition device including a GPS sensor and at least one of a WLANdata radio and a WWAN data radio configured to receive the deliveryinformation, the delivery information including the destination addressof the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address;delivering the item to a location according to the delivery information;determining actual GPS data associated with the location with the GPSsensor, the actual GPS data including a time of delivery and a physicallocation of delivery; and directing at least one of the time of deliveryand the physical location of delivery to the carrier server via at leastone of the WLAN data radio and the WWAN data radio.
 165. A methodaccording to claim 164 further comprising verifying at least one of thetime of delivery and the physical location of delivery of the item uponrequest of at least one of the sender and the receiver.
 166. A methodaccording to claim 164 further comprising periodically directing atleast one of the time of delivery and the physical location of deliveryof the item to at least one of the sender and the receiver.
 167. Amethod according to claim 164 further comprising determining an actualdelivery address of the location.
 168. A method according to claim 167further comprising saving the actual delivery address as an alias of thedestination address if the actual delivery address does not correspondto the destination address.
 169. A method according to claim 167 furthercomprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actualdelivery address if the destination address does not correspond to theactual delivery address.
 170. A method according to claim 164 furthercomprising tracking, with the GPS sensor, a route between the originaladdress and the destination address.
 171. A method according to claim170 further comprising determining at least one time along the routebetween the original address and the destination address.
 172. A methodaccording to claim 166 further comprising determining a time with theGPS sensor.
 173. A method according to claim 172 wherein directing thedelivery information further comprises directing the deliveryinformation, including a route between the original address and thedestination address, to the portable data acquisition device.
 174. Amethod according to claim 173 further comprising determining a GPSposition of an instant location along the route and determining the timeof the GPS position determination of the instant location.
 175. A methodaccording to claim 164 further comprising linking supplemental data tothe delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from thegroup consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injurydata, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, specialrequest data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinationsthereof
 176. A method of delivering an item from a sender to aconsignee, comprising: directing delivery information associated withthe item from a carrier server to a portable data acquisition device,the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio, anInfrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, and at least one ofa WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio for receiving the deliveryinformation; delivering the item to the consignee according to thedelivery information; collecting data associated with the delivery ofthe item to the consignee; and directing the data associated with thedelivery of the item via at least one of the WPAN data radio and theIrDA communication port to a computer associated with the consignee.177. A method according to claim 176 wherein directing the dataassociated with the delivery of the item further comprises directing thedata associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee inresponse to a request therefrom.
 178. A method according to claim 176wherein directing the data associated with the delivery of the itemfurther comprises automatically directing the data associated with thedelivery of the item to the consignee.
 179. A method according to claim178 wherein automatically directing the data to the consignee furthercomprises automatically directing the data to the consignee at least oneof in real time and at a selected interval.
 180. A method according toclaim 176 further comprising linking supplemental data to the deliveryinformation, the supplemental data being selected from the groupconsisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data,accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, specialrequest data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinationsthereof.
 181. A portable data acquisition device adapted to interactwith a user, comprising a GPS sensor configured to determine ageographic location of the user; a signature capture window displayconfigured to receive a signature of the user; and a processorconfigured to compare the signature of the user to a list of authorizedsignatures for the geographic location of the user so as to verify asignature authority of the user.
 182. A device according to claim 181wherein the list of authorized signatures is displayed in the signaturecapture window display for comparison to the user's signature.
 183. Adevice according to claim 181 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to implement an automatic handwriting analysis to compare thesignature of the user to a list of authorized signatures for thegeographic location of the user.
 184. A device according to claim 181wherein the signature capture window display is further configured toreceive a fingerprint of the user and the processor is furtherconfigured to compare the user's fingerprint to a database of authorizedfingerprints for the geographic location of the user.
 185. A deviceaccording to claim 184 wherein the processor is further configured tocompare the user's fingerprint and the user's signature to a database ofauthorized fingerprint and signature pairs for the geographic locationof the user so as to verify that the user's fingerprint corresponds tothe user's signature.
 186. A device according to claim 181 furthercomprising a image capturing device for capturing an image of the user,the processor being further configured to compare the user's image to adatabase of authorized images for the geographic location of the user.187. A device according to claim 186 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to compare the user's image and the user's signature to adatabase of authorized image and signature pairs for the geographiclocation of the user so as to verify that the user's image correspondsto the user's signature.
 188. A system for a portable electronic deviceimplementing a Windows™ CE operating system, the system for protectingdata entries into the portable electronic device, said systemcomprising: a random access memory module for temporarily storing thedata entries; a permanent memory module in communication with the randomaccess memory module and configured to permanently store selected onesof the data entries; and an intermediate memory module in communicationwith the random access memory module and the permanent memory module,the intermediate memory module being configured to be non-volatile andcapable of permanently storing the data entries.
 189. A system accordingto claim 188 wherein the random access memory module further comprises aDynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) module.
 190. A system according toclaim 188 wherein the permanent memory module further comprises a FlashMemory module.
 191. A system according to claim 190 wherein the FlashMemory module is housed within the portable electronic device.
 192. Asystem according to claim 190 wherein the Flash Memory module is housedwithin a memory device configured to be removably engaged with theportable electronic device.
 193. A system according to claim 188 whereinthe intermediate memory module further comprises a Non-Volatile RandomAccess Memory (NVRAM) module.
 194. A system according to claim 188wherein the random access memory module and the intermediate memorymodule are configured to concurrently receive the data entries.
 195. Asystem according to claim 188 wherein at least one of the random accessmemory module and the intermediate memory module are configured to becapable of transferring the selected ones of the data entries to thepermanent memory module.
 196. A system according to claim 188 wherein atleast one of the random access memory module, the permanent memorymodule, and the intermediate memory module is selectable for receivingthe data entries.
 197. A system according to claim 188 wherein only theintermediate memory module is configured to be capable of transferringthe selected ones of the data entries to the permanent memory module.198. A method of protecting data entries associated with an event andreceived by a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™ CEoperating system, said method comprising: receiving the data entries ina random access memory module operably engaged with the portableelectronic device; receiving the data entries in an intermediate memorymodule operably engaged with the portable electronic device; andtransferring selected ones of the data entries, upon completion of theevent, from at least one of the random access memory module and theintermediate memory module to a permanent memory module operably engagedwith the portable electronic device for permanent storage thereof. 199.A method according to claim 198 wherein receiving the data entries in arandom access memory module further comprises receiving the data entriesin a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) module.
 200. A method accordingto claim 198 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to apermanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones ofthe data entries to a Flash Memory module.
 201. A method according toclaim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to apermanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones ofthe data entries to a Flash Memory module housed within the portableelectronic device.
 202. A method according to claim 200 whereintransferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memorymodule further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entriesto a Flash Memory module removably engaged with the portable electronicdevice.
 203. A method according to claim 200 wherein receiving the dataentries in an intermediate memory module further comprises concurrentlystoring the data entries in a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM)module.
 204. A method according to claim 200 wherein receiving the dataentries in a random access memory module is concurrent with receivingthe data entries in an intermediate memory module.
 205. A methodaccording to claim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the dataentries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferringselected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module only fromthe intermediate memory module.
 206. A method of retrieving specificdata from a private database of a customer using a portable electronicdevice having a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, awireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, a wireless wide areanetwork (WWAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)communication port operably engaged therewith, said method comprisingestablishing communication with a computer device housing the privatedatabase and accessing the private database via at least one of the WPANdata radio and the IrDA communication port; and determining andreceiving at the portable electronic device, the specific data from theprivate database.
 207. A method according to claim 206 furthercomprising storing the specific data in the portable electronic device.208. A method according to claim 206 further comprising executing anapplication program interface (API) operably engaged with the portableelectronic device, the API being configured to select at least one ofthe WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port and to defineparameters for providing limited invasion into and disruption of theprivate database.
 209. A method according to claim 206 furthercomprising reporting to the customer the specific data accessed in theprivate database.
 210. A method of selecting a data radio from awireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal areanetwork (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) dataradio operably engaged with a portable electronic device, said methodcomprising: determining a task to be performed by the portableelectronic device; associating the task with one of the data radiosaccording to a matching criteria; and actuating the data radioassociated with the task.
 211. A method according to claim 210 whereinassociating the task with one of the data radios further comprisesexecuting a selection algorithm configured to apply the matchingcriteria.
 212. A method according to claim 210 wherein determining atask further comprises determining a task to be performed by theportable electronic device from an input to the portable electronicdevice by a user thereof.
 213. A method according to claim 210 whereindetermining a task further comprises determining a task to be performedby the portable electronic device from an input to the portableelectronic device by a sensor operably engaged therewith.
 214. A methodaccording to claim 210 wherein determining a task further comprisesdetermining a task to be performed by the portable electronic devicefrom an input to the portable electronic device by a central servercommunicating with the portable electronic device via one of the dataradios.
 215. A method according to claim 210 further comprising savingdetails associated with the task in a database of tasks performed by theportable electronic device.
 216. A method according to claim 215 furthercomprising directing the database of tasks performed by the portableelectronic device to a central server in communication therewith via oneof the data radios.
 217. A tool capable of being operably engaged withand extracting data from a portable electronic device having anoperating system, a processor, a Flash Memory module, an NVRAM module, aWireless Local Area Network (WLAN) data radio, and an Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA) communication port, said data extraction toolcomprising: a communication port configured to communicate with theportable electronic device via at least one of the WLAN data radio andthe IrDA communication port; and a processing portion configured toselectively locate and extract data from at least one of the FlashMemory module and the NVRAM module, independently of the processor andthe operating system.
 218. A tool according to claim 217 furthercomprising a processing portion configured to direct the data to thetool via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communicationport.
 219. A tool according to claim 217 wherein the processing portionconfigured to selectively locate and extract data is further configuredto selectively locate and extract the data without accessing any one ofthe operating system and the processor with respect to an electronicaddress of the data.
 220. A tool according to claim 217 wherein thecommunication port is directed by an input from a user to select atleast one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port forcommunication with the portable electronic device.
 221. A tool accordingto claim 217 wherein the communication port is configured toautomatically select at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDAcommunication port for communication with the portable electronicdevice.
 222. A method of regulating a battery pack for a portableelectronic device having at least one of an application programinterface (API) and software capable of directing interaction with thebattery pack, said method comprising: monitoring a condition of thebattery pack having a charge of power; allocating the power from thebattery pack so as to optimize usage of the charge; and directingrecharging of the battery pack independently of instructional input froman external recharging station.
 223. A method according to claim 222wherein monitoring a condition of the battery pack further comprisesmonitoring at least one of the charge of the battery pack, a power usagefor a task, a time for a task, a recharging status of the battery pack,any abnormal power usage conditions, reduced-power usage modeparameters, operational parameters, and combination thereof.
 224. Amethod according to claim 222 wherein allocating the power furthercomprises allocating the power such that the charge includes a reservecharge capable of maintaining the portable electronic device in areduced-power usage mode for a selected time until the battery pack isrecharged.
 225. A method according to claim 224 further comprisingproviding an alert when the reserve charge is maintaining the portableelectronic device.
 226. A method according to claim 224 furthercomprising directing the portable electronic device into thereduced-power usage mode when the portable electronic device is beingmaintained by the reserve charge.
 227. A method according to claim 222wherein the battery pack is configured to be operably engaged with theexternal recharging station and directing recharging of the battery packfurther comprises directing recharging of the battery pack withinstructional input from the portable electronic device via the at leastone of the API and software, the external recharging station beingconfigured to be responsive to the instructional input from the portableelectronic device to recharge the battery pack.
 228. A method accordingto claim 222 further comprising preparing a report including themonitored condition of the battery pack, the power allocation, and therecharging direction.
 229. A method of determining a capacity of abattery for a portable electronic device, said method comprising:analyzing data associated with typical operational conditions of theportable electronic device during a shift; developing a task-specificbattery power usage profile for the portable electronic device duringthe shift; and optimizing the battery capacity according to the powerusage profile, the battery capacity corresponding to power required bythe electronic device during the shift.
 230. A method according to claim229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises optimizingthe battery capacity by altering at least one of the size, weight, type,charging characteristics, discharging characteristics, and the storagecapacity of the battery.
 231. A method according to claim 229 furthercomprising periodically monitoring the operating conditions of theportable electronics device, revising the power usage profile, andre-optimizing the battery capacity in response thereto.
 232. A methodaccording to claim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity furthercomprises adjusting the optimized battery capacity to provide a batterycapacity reserve.
 233. A method according to claim 229 whereinoptimizing the battery capacity further comprises adjusting theoptimized battery capacity to provide a battery capacity reserve ofbetween about 5% and about 100% of the optimized battery capacity. 234.A method according to claim 229 wherein analyzing data and developing abattery power usage profile for the portable electronic device furthercomprise analyzing data and developing a battery power usage profile forthe portable electronic device on a per route basis.
 235. A method oftesting an impact durability of a container, the container beinggenerally defined by a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis disposedperpendicularly thereto, said method comprising: releasing the containerfrom a height above a surface such that gravity directs the container ina vertical direction toward impact with the surface; and simultaneouslydirecting the container in a horizontal direction such that thecontainer impacts the surface with a velocity having a verticalcomponent and a horizontal component.
 236. A method according to claim235 further comprising simultaneously rotating the container about atleast one of the longitudinal and lateral axes such that the containeris also rotating upon impact with the surface.
 237. A method accordingto claim 235 wherein the height is between about 1 foot and about 10feet.
 238. A method according to claim 235 further comprisingdetermining at least one force acting upon the container upon impactwith the surface with a sensor disposed within the container.
 239. Amethod according to claim 235 further comprising at least one ofselectively reinforcing the container, selectively adding an impactabsorbing material to the container, and altering a material comprisingthe container in response to a condition of the container upon impactwith the surface.
 240. In a portable electronic device having alongitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user, a dataentry keypad adapted to receive input from a pair of thumbs while thecorresponding hands are grasping and supporting the device, said keypadcomprising: a plurality of V-shaped rows of keys, the keys beingdisposed on a face of the portable electronic device within a naturalrange of motion of the thumbs when the portable electronic device isgrasped by the hands, each V-shaped row having an apex disposed within acentral region of the face and directed at the user, the central regionbeing disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row furtherincludes opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the apex anddirected away from the user, the keys being disposed on the face andwith respect to the central region so as to minimize rotation of theportable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation ofthe keys by the thumbs.
 241. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein thekeypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering theportable electronic device.
 242. A keypad according to claim 241 furthercomprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to theportable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering theportable electronic device.
 243. A keypad according to claim 240 whereineach of the off-apex keys is separated from the central region by adistance and the distance between each off-apex key and the centralregion is minimized so as to minimize rotation of the portableelectronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of theoff-apex keys by the thumbs.
 244. A keypad according to claim 240wherein each of the keys are separated by a key pitch distance and thekey pitch distance is dimensioned so as to adapt the keypad for use byat least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.
 245. A keypadaccording to claim 244 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7inches.
 246. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein each of the keyshas a size and the key size is selected so as to adapt the keypad foruse by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.
 247. A keypadaccording to claim 240 wherein the plurality of keys is implemented in atouch screen.
 248. A method of stabilizing a portable electronic devicehaving a keypad as the keypad is typed upon with a pair of thumbs, thedevice including a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed ata user and a plurality of keys in the keypad for entering data into theportable electronic device with the user's thumbs as the portableelectronic device is grasped by the user's hands, said methodcomprising: positioning the keys in a plurality of V-shaped rows, eachV-shaped row having an apex disposed within a central region anddirected at the user, the central region being disposed along thelongitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distalends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away fromthe user, each off-apex key being separated from the central region by adistance; and minimizing the distance between each of the off-apex keysand the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portableelectronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of theoff-apex keys by the thumbs.
 249. A method according to claim 248wherein positioning the keys further comprises positioning the keys on aface of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motionof the user's thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped bythe user's hands.
 250. A method according to claim 248 whereinminimizing the distance further comprises spacing the keys by a keypitch distance dimensioned so as to adapt the keypad for use by at leastone of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.
 251. A method according toclaim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises spacing thekeys by a key pitch distance of about 0.7 inches.
 252. A methodaccording to claim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprisessizing the keys so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of agloved hand and an ungloved hand.
 253. A method according to claim 248further comprising configuring the keypad to prevent moisture fromentering the portable electronic device.
 254. A method according toclaim 248 further comprising disposing a flexible membrane over thekeys, the flexible membrane being sealed to the portable electronicdevice so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronicdevice.
 255. A method according to claim 248 wherein positioning thekeys further comprises positioning the keys on a touch screen in aplurality of V-shaped rows.
 256. In a portable electronic device, a dataentry keypad adapted to receive input from a gloved digit of a hand, thekeypad being disposed upon a face of the device, said keypad comprising:a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a keypitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distancebetween adjacently-disposed keys, the key pitch distance being selectedto facilitate actuation of each key by the gloved digit withoutactuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.
 257. A keypadaccording to claim 256 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped soas to facilitate actuation thereof by the gloved digit.
 258. A keypadaccording to claim 256 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality ofV-shaped rows on a face of the portable electronic device within anatural range of motion of the gloved thumbs when the portableelectronic device is grasped by the hands.
 259. A keypad according toclaim 258 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within acentral region and directed at the user, the central region beingdisposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row furtherincluding opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central regionand directed away from the user.
 260. A keypad according to claim 259wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the face and a minimaldistance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of theportable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation ofthe off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.
 261. A keypad according to claim256 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.6 inches.
 262. A keypadaccording to claim 256 wherein the keypad is further configured toprevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.
 263. Akeypad according to claim 262 further comprising a flexible membranecovering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as toprevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.
 264. Akeypad according to claim 256 wherein the plurality of keys isimplemented in a touch screen.
 265. A portable electronic device havinga top face and a bottom face, said portable electronic devicecomprising: an actuator adapted to receive input from an index finger ofa hand while the hand is grasping the device, the actuator beingdisposed on the bottom face of the portable electronic device so as tobe naturally accessible by the index finger.
 266. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitateactuation thereof by a gloved index finger.
 267. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of arotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.
 268. A deviceaccording to claim 265 further comprising a recess defined by the bottomface, the actuator being disposed within the recess so as to preventaccidental actuation thereof.
 269. A device according to claim 265wherein the actuator is configured to prevent moisture from entering theportable electronic device.
 270. A device according to claim 265 whereinthe actuator further comprises a rotary switch including a housinghaving a first switch portion and a textured roller element operablyengaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the firstswitch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form aswitch mechanism.
 271. A device according to claim 270 wherein the firstswitch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at leastone of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.
 272. Adevice according to claim 265 wherein the actuator is operably engagedwith the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture fromentering the portable electronic device about the actuator.
 273. Adevice according to claim 265 further comprising a seal operably engagedbetween the actuator and the portable electronic device so as to preventmoisture from entering the portable electronic device about theactuator.
 274. A device according to claim 265 further comprising a dataentry keypad disposed upon a top surface and ergonomically adapted toreceive input from a thumb of the hand.
 275. A device according to claim274 wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys each having a centerand being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distancebeing a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys. 276.A device according to claim 275 wherein the key pitch distance isselected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of glovedthumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad. 277.A device according to claim 275 wherein each of the keys is sized andshaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.
 278. Adevice according to claim 275 wherein the keys are disposed in aplurality of V-shaped rows on a top surface within a natural range ofmotion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is graspedby the hands.
 279. A device according to claim 278 wherein each V-shapedrow includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed atthe user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis,each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extendingoutwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.
 280. Adevice according to claim 279 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed onthe face and a minimal distance away from the central region so as tominimize rotation of the portable electronic device about thelongitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the glovedthumbs.
 281. A device according to claim 275 wherein the keys aredisposed in a plurality of linear rows on a top surface within a naturalrange of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device isgrasped by the hands.
 282. A device according to claim 275 wherein thekey pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.
 283. A device according to claim275 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture fromentering the portable electronic device.
 284. A device according toclaim 283 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys andsealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture fromentering the portable electronic device.
 285. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the keypad is implemented in a touch screen.
 286. Adevice according to claim 268 further comprising a pair of grasping padsextending from the bottom face of the device so as to at least partiallydefine the recess, the pair of grasping pads being disposed aboutoutward opposing edges of the bottom face, in generally opposingrelation to a keypad on the top face, the grasping pads being configuredsuch that, when the fingers of the hands are wrapped about the graspingpads so as to allow the hands to grasp the device, the keypad is in anatural range of motion of the thumbs and the actuator is naturallyaccessible by the index finger.
 287. A portable data acquisition device,comprising: a data input device; a memory; a data storage device; a datatransmission device; an actuator; and a casing for containing the datainput device, the memory, the data storage device, and the datatransmission device, the casing being configured to be substantiallyresistant to moisture intrusion and comprising a continuous membranedefining at least one opening configured to receive the actuator, themembrane being configured to operably engage the actuator so as tosubstantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about theactuator.
 288. A device according to claim 287 wherein the actuator issized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved indexfinger.
 289. A device according to claim 287 wherein the actuatorfurther comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, akey, and a button.
 290. A device according to claim 287 wherein the atleast one opening is disposed in a recess defined by the casing and theactuator is disposed in the at least one opening within the recess so asto prevent accidental actuation of the actuator.
 291. A device accordingto claim 287 wherein the actuator comprises a rotary switch including ahousing configured to operably engage the casing and having a firstswitch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with thehousing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portionbeing cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switchmechanism.
 292. A device according to claim 291 wherein the first switchportion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one ofa mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.
 293. A deviceaccording to claim 291 further comprising a seal operably engagedbetween the actuator and the casing so as to prevent moisture fromentering the casing about the actuator.
 294. A device according to claim291 further comprising a data entry keypad operably engaged with thecasing and adapted to receive input from a thumb of a hand.
 295. Adevice according to claim 294 wherein the keypad includes a plurality ofkeys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance,the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance betweenadjacently-disposed keys.
 296. A device according to claim 295 whereinthe key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each keyby one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating anadjacently-disposed key on the keypad.
 297. A device according to claim295 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitateactuation thereof by a gloved thumb.
 298. A device according to claim295 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of linear rows on thecasing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when theportable electronic device is grasped by the hands.
 299. A deviceaccording to claim 295 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality ofV-shaped rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of glovedthumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands. 300.A device according to claim 299 wherein each V-shaped row includes anapex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, thecentral region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shapedrow further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of thecentral region and directed away from the user.
 301. A device accordingto claim 300 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the casing and aminimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotationof the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis uponactuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.
 302. A deviceaccording to claim 295 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7inches.
 303. A device according to claim 295 wherein the keypad isimplemented in a touch screen.
 304. A device according to claim 295wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture fromentering the portable electronic device.
 305. A device according toclaim 304 wherein the membrane further comprises a flexible portioncovering the keys.
 306. A device according to claim 287 furthercomprising a data display having a major axis oriented perpendicularlywith respect to a longitudinal axis of the casing.
 307. A portableelectronic device and holder assembly, comprising: a holder adapted tobe attached to a user, the holder comprising: a first end; an elongatearm extending from the first end to an opposing second end; a hookoperably engaged with the second end of the arm, the hook having a tineseparated from the arm by a span; and a gate having a hinged endrotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second endand a free end extending across the span to the tine, the free end beingbiased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between thearm and the gate; a pin configured to be received within the span andsecured between the arm, the tine, and the gate, the pin spanning achannel defined by the portable electronic device, so as to secure theportable electronic device to the holder; and a pair of shoulders on anedge of a casing of the portable electronic device defining the channeland having the pin operably engaged therebetween, the shoulders beingconfigured with respect to the edge of the casing such that the gate isurged away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronicdevice is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first endof the holder, the pin thereby being removable from the span so as todisengage the portable electronic device from the holder.
 308. Anassembly according to claim 307 wherein the rails sized and shaped tofit within the channel and configured to guide the pin into the span ofthe hook.
 309. An assembly according to claim 308 wherein the rails arefurther configured to positively engage the channel so as to provide atactile cue indicating that the portable electronic device is properlyaligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook soas to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.
 310. Anassembly according to claim 308 wherein the rails are further configuredto cooperate with the channel and the casing so as to urge the gate awayfrom the tine and toward the arm in order to facilitate the guiding ofthe pin into the span of the hook.
 311. An assembly according to claim309 wherein the portable electronic device is further configured tocooperate with the holder so as to provide at least one of an auditoryalert and a tactile cue as the pin is secured in the span of the hook.312. An assembly according to claim 311 wherein the biasing device isconfigured to urge the gate to impact the tine after the pin is guidedinto the span of the hook, the impact of the gate with the tineproviding both an auditory alert and a tactile cue to indicate that thepin is secured in the span of the hook.
 313. An assembly according toclaim 311 further comprising a sensor operably engaged with at least oneof the holder and the portable electronic device and an alert deviceoperably engaged with the sensor, the sensor being configured todetermine when the pin is secured in the span of the hook and to directthe alert device to produce at least one of an auditory alert and atactile cue.
 314. An assembly according to claim 310 wherein the biasingdevice is configured to cooperate with the gate and the portableelectronic device so as to provide a tactile cue to the user as the pinis being guided into the span, the tactile cue comprising a resistance,as imparted by the biasing device via the gate, translated through theportable electronic device to a hand of the user as the gate urged awayfrom the tine toward the arm.
 315. An assembly according to claim 307wherein the shoulders are configured with respect to the edge such thatthe portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over thetine, such that the portable electronic device is at least perpendicularto the arm, before the gate is urged away from the tine and toward thearm.
 316. An assembly according to claim 315 wherein the shoulders areconfigured with respect to the edge such that the portable electronicdevice may be rotated about the pin and over the tine and operatedwithout removing the portable electronic device from the holder.
 317. Aholder adapted to be attached to a user and capable of being operablyengaged with a portable electronic device, the device including a pairof shoulders on an edge of a casing thereof, the shoulders cooperatingto define a channel and having a pin operably engaged therebetween, saidholder comprising: a first end; an elongate arm extending from the firstend to an opposing second end; a hook operably engaged with the secondend of the arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span;and a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of railsspaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across thespan to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasingdevice operably engaged between the arm and the gate, the span beingconfigured to receive the pin therein, the pin being securable betweenthe arm, the tine, and the gate so as to secure the portable electronicdevice to the holder, the shoulders being configured with respect to theedge of the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and towardthe arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin andover the tine, toward the first end of the holder, the pin thereby beingremovable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronicdevice from the holder.
 318. A holder according to claim 317 wherein therails sized and shaped to fit within the channel and configured to guidethe pin into the span of the hook.
 319. A holder according to claim 318wherein the rails are further configured to positively engage thechannel so as to provide a tactile cue indicating that the portableelectronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding thepin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronicdevice to the holder.
 320. A holder according to claim 318 wherein therails are further configured to cooperate with the channel and thecasing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm inorder to facilitate the guiding of the pin into the span of the hook.321. A holder according to claim 317 wherein the hook and the gate areconfigured such that the portable electronic device may be rotated aboutthe pin and over the tine, such that the portable electronic device isat least perpendicular to the arm, before the shoulders urge the gateaway from the tine and toward the arm.
 322. A holder according to claim321 wherein the hook and the gate are configured such that the portableelectronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine andoperated without removing the portable electronic device from theholder.
 323. A method of non-visually determining a relation of aportable electronic device to a holder, the holder including a hookoperably engaged with one end of an arm, the hook having a tineseparated from the arm by a span, and a gate having a hinged end inrotatable communication with a pair of rails operably engaged with thearm and a free end extending therefrom across the span to the tine, thefree end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device, the portableelectronic device having a pin operably engaged therewith and configuredto removably engage the holder so as to secure the portable electronicdevice thereto, said method comprising: providing at least one of anauditory alert and a tactile cue to a user as the pin is guided into thespan of the hook and secured therein via cooperation of the arm, thetine, the gate, and the biasing device.
 324. A method according to claim323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactilecue further comprises urging the gate to impact the tine, with thebiasing device, after the pin is guided into the span of the hook, theimpact of the gate with the tine providing both an auditory alert and atactile cue to indicate that the pin is secured in the span of the hook.325. A method according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one ofan auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises determining whenthe pin is secured in the span of the hook with a sensor operablyengaged with at least one of the holder and the portable electronicdevice and directing an alert device, operably engaged with the sensor,to produce at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue.
 326. Amethod according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one of anauditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises translating, as thepin is being guided into the span, a resistance, as imparted by thebiasing device via the gate, through the portable electronic device to ahand of a user as the gate urged away from the tine toward the arm. 327.A method according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one of anauditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises directing the railsinto positive engagement with the channel, the rails and the channelbeing configured to cooperate to provide a tactile cue upon positiveengagement therebetween in order to indicate that the portableelectronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding thepin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronicdevice to the holder.
 328. A portable electronic device, comprising: anelongate stylus having an actuation end, a medial portion, and a distalend, the medial portion defining a circumferential groove; a casingdefining a recess configured to receive and house the actuation end ofthe stylus, the recess extending to a channel defined by the casing andconfigured to receive the medial portion of the stylus, the recess andthe channel being configured to cooperate to receive the stylus suchthat the distal end extends from the groove and outwardly of the casing;and a retaining mechanism operably engaged with the channel incorrespondence with the circumferential groove defined by the medialportion of the stylus, the retaining mechanism being configured tooperably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure thestylus to the casing.
 329. A device according to claim 328 wherein theretaining mechanism further comprises a pair of opposing flangesoperably engaged with the channel and protruding into the channel, theflanges being configured to operably engage the circumferential grooveso as to removably secure the stylus to the casing.
 330. A deviceaccording to claim 329 wherein the flanges are configured to operablyengage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylusto the casing with at least one of a snap fit engagement and africtional fit engagement.
 331. A device according to claim 329 whereinthe flanges are configured to be flexible so as to facilitate engagementand disengagement of the stylus with respect to the channel whilesecuring the stylus within the channel.
 332. A device according to claim328 further comprising a tether operably engaged between the stylus andthe casing for securing the stylus to the portable electronic device.333. A portable electronic device defining a longitudinal axis generallyadapted to be directed at a user and adapted to be grasped and operatedby the user's hands, said portable electronic device comprising: acasing for containing a data input device, a memory, a data storagedevice, and a data transmission device, the casing being configured tobe substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprising asubstantially continuous membrane defining at least one opening; anactuator adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand whilethe hand is grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on a bottomface of the casing, in the at least one opening, so as to be naturallyaccessible by the index finger, the actuator being configured tooperably engage the membrane so as to substantially prevent moistureintrusion into the casing about the actuator; a main display having amajor dimension and a minor dimension, the main display being operablyengaged with a top face of the casing such that the major dimension isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the case; and a keypadincluding a plurality of keys disposed on a top face of the casing so asto be capable of being engaged with a thumb of each hand when the casingis grasped by the user's hands.
 334. A device according to claim 333wherein the keys are implemented in a touch-screen display.
 335. Adevice according to claim 334 wherein the touch-screen display isintegral with the main display.
 336. A device according to claim 333wherein the casing is further configured to house a cellular telephone.337. A device according to claim 333 wherein the casing is furtherconfigured to house a hard copy printing device.
 338. A device accordingto claim 333 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as tofacilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.
 339. A deviceaccording to claim 333 wherein the at least one opening is disposed in arecess defined by the casing and the actuator is disposed in the atleast one opening within the recess so as to prevent accidentalactuation of the actuator.
 340. A device according to claim 333 whereinthe actuator comprises a rotary switch including a housing configured tooperably engage the casing and having a first switch portion and atextured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having asecond switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable withthe second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.
 341. A deviceaccording to claim 340 wherein the first switch portion is cooperablewith the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, anelectrical, and a magnetic arrangement.
 342. A device according to claim333 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator andthe casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing about theactuator.
 343. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keys eachhave a center and are separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitchdistance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposedkeys, and wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitateactuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs withoutactuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.
 344. A deviceaccording to claim 333 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped soas to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.
 345. A deviceaccording to claim 343 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.6inches.
 346. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keypad isfurther configured to prevent moisture from entering the casing.
 347. Adevice according to claim 346 further comprising a flexible membranecovering the keys, the flexible membrane being sealed to the casing soas to prevent moisture from entering the casing.
 348. A device accordingto claim 333 wherein the bottom surface of the casing further includes aplurality of pads extending outwardly therefrom, the pads cooperating todefine a plane.
 349. A device according to claim 348 wherein the padsfurther include a pair of grasping pads disposed about outward opposingedges of the bottom face, in generally opposing relation to the keypadon the top face, the grasping pads being configured such that, when thekeypad is in a natural range of motion of the thumbs, the other fingersof the hands are capable of wrapping about the grasping pads so as toallow the hands to grasp the casing.
 350. A device according to claim348 wherein the pads further define a recess therebetween.
 351. A deviceaccording to claim 350 further comprising at least one of a scanner anda rotary switch operably engaged with the casing within the recess. 352.A device according to claim 333 wherein the actuator further comprisesat least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.353. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keys are disposed in aplurality of V-shaped rows on the casing within a natural range ofmotion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is graspedby the hands.
 354. A device according to claim 353 wherein each-V-shapedrow includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed atthe user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis,each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extendingoutwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.
 355. Adevice according to claim 354 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed onthe casing and a minimal distance away from the central region so as tominimize rotation of the portable electronic device about thelongitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the glovedthumbs.
 356. A portable data acquisition device capable of collecting,storing and transmitting data, said device comprising: a casing; awireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal areanetwork (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) dataradio housed by the casing; and at least one of a processor, a real-timeclock, a memory, a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, ascanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, areceiver, a transmitter, a sensor, a switch, a display, a speaker, anindicator, an alert device, an acoustic modem and dialer, a cellulartelephone, a hard copy printing device, a stylus, a battery chargingindicator, a battery, a battery interface, a battery charger, a batterytester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a powermanagement processor, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communicationport, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an operating system, adiagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems softwareloader, a database, a database manager, and an application programinterface (API), operably engaged with the casing.
 357. A deviceaccording to claim 356 wherein the operating system further comprises aWindows CE operating system.
 358. A device according to claim 356wherein at least one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, andthe WPAN data radio is configured to implement at least one of aBluetooth protocol and a GPS/GPRS system.
 359. A device according toclaim 356 wherein the memory further comprises a FLASH memory module, aDRAM memory module, and an NVRAM memory module.